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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Are you at risk of bleeding from anticoagulants Coumadin or warfarin: New “HAS-BLED” tool assesses risk for those with atrial fibrillation

One of the most common questions we get centers around the use of anticoagulant drugs—either the brand drug, Coumadin, or the generic version, warfarin—and whether or not an atrial fibrillation patient should be on them. Anticoagulants decrease stroke risk, but can also increase bleeding risk. How do you sort it all out? It's just as …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

FDA Update on the WATCHMAN® Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure Device to Prevent Strokes in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

There was an update today on the long-awaited FDA status of Atritech's WATCHMAN® device. If approved, it would provide an alternative to taking Coumadin or warfarin to prevent strokes for those with atrial fibrillation. Here are some quotes from the press release. Minneapolis (March 18, 2010) — Atritech, Inc., an emerging medical device company, announced …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Gene Test Improves Coumadin (warfarin) Use for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Genetic tests that show high or low sensitivity to blood thinner (anticoagulant) drugs like warfarin (Coumadin) not only improve dosing accuracy but also reduce hospitalization by 31%, according to a new study just presented at the American College of Cardiology scientific sessions. Coumadin is often prescribed for people who have afib to prevent blood clots …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

New Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Stroke Risk Factors Reveal That More Should Be on Coumadin or Warfarin, Especially Women

This very important story may change how afib patients and their doctors decide if they should be on anticoagulant medications (blood thinners), such as Coumadin or warfarin. The CHADS2 scoring system is how doctors now decide who should be on Coumadin or warfarin to avoid strokes, but a newly-published study adds new stroke risk factors …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Video to Help Safely Manage Blood Thinners Coumadin and Warfarin

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has introduced a video to help those on anticoagulant drugs, such as Coumadin or warfarin, to use them safely. The video is designed to complement what patients learn from their doctors, pharmacies, or Coumadin clinics. Anticoagulants reduce the risk of stroke in those with atrial fibrillation by …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Higher Risk of Stroke and Death for Women with Atrial Fibrillation

We know that more men than women have atrial fibrillation, but that women have a higher rate of strokes and death. In fact, women account for about 61% of stroke deaths. Recent research at Rush University Medical Center identified nine specific gender differences between women and men who have atrial fibrillation. Those included that women …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Blood Clots and Near-Stroke Motivated Survivor to Launch Atrial Fibrillation Month in September to Focus on Arrhythmia That Causes Stroke

This September, StopAfib.org marks the third year of celebrating Atrial Fibrillation Month to raise awareness of atrial fibrillation (afib), an expensive and life-threatening irregular heartbeat that is a common cause of stroke. StopAfib.org founder, Mellanie True Hills, knows the toll that atrial fibrillation takes on those with it and their families. After surviving blood clots …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Dabigatran Beats Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

There is a lot of big news coming out of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) going on in Barcelona right now. Judging by attendance, this is probably the biggest cardiology event in the world. The big announcement for atrial fibrillation sufferers is the progress towards a replacement for Coumadin (warfarin) coming out of the …

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