Video Helps Those with Atrial Fibrillation to Safely Manage Anticoagulant Medications Coumadin and Warfarin

October 06, 2009 5:21 AM CT

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, has introduced a new 10-minute video that may be of interest to those with atrial fibrillation who are on anticoagulant medications, such as Coumadin or warfarin. The video, Staying Active and Healthy with Blood Thinners, aims to help those on anticoagulant drugs to know how to use them safely.

Anticoagulants reduce the risk of stroke in those with atrial fibrillation by avoiding the formation of blood clots, but they can also be difficult to use and are a major source of hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

The video is designed to complement what patients learn from their doctors, pharmacies, or Coumadin clinics. It shares four important steps, using the mnemonic BEST, which can be used to safely manage the use of blood thinners:

  • Be careful
  • Eat right
  • Stick to a routine
  • Test regularly

Watch the video, Staying Active and Healthy with Blood Thinners, at:

The online video is also accompanied by a booklet:

The video is also available as a DVD, which can be obtained from the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse by calling 1-800-358-9295 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. For details, visit the AHRQ Web site.