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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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 …
Read MoreGenetic 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 …
Read MoreThis 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 …
Read MoreThe 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 …
Read MoreWe 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 …
Read MoreThis 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 …
Read MoreThere 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 …
Read MoreIf you have atrial fibrillation, how do you know your risk of stroke and whether or not you should be taking Coumadin® or warfarin? Dr. Manish Shah talks about the CHADS2 scoring system that addresses this afib controversy and how your doctor will assess your CHADS2 score. Dr. Shah is …
Read MoreDr. Manish Shah talks about Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban, new drugs in clinicals trials to replace the blood thinner Coumadin® (warfarin), an anticoagulant frequently used to avoid strokes by those with atrial fibrillation. He talks about the two categories of these new drugs, thrombin inhibitors and Factor Xa (10a) inhibitors. Dr. …
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