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New blood thinners reduce atrial fibrillation stroke risk without frequent monitoring

Date:
April 13, 2016
Source:
Loyola University Health System
Summary:
A new generation of blood thinners can reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, without requiring frequent monitoring and dietary restrictions, report researcher.
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A new generation of blood thinners can reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, without requiring frequent monitoring and dietary restrictions.

But special attention must be given to the patient's age, kidney function and other factors before prescribing the new medications, according to an article by neurologists at Loyola Medicine and Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

The report by Rochelle Sweis, DO and José Biller, MD, is published in the journal Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, and the prevalence is increasing as the population ages. In AFib, electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat become erratic. Instead of beating regularly, the upper chambers of the heart quiver and blood doesn't flow well. Blood clots can form, migrate to the brain and cause strokes. AFib is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of stroke.

Blood thinning medications decrease the stroke risk by approximately 70 percent. For 60 years physicians have prescribed warfarin (Coumadin®) and other blood thinners known as vitamin K antagonists. These medications have been proven to be effective in reducing the risk of blood clots and strokes. But they require continual monitoring and dose adjustments to ensure the drugs thin the blood enough to prevent clots, but not enough to increase the risk of major bleeding. Patients also must restrict their consumption of foods rich in vitamin K, such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, parsley and green tea.

The new blood thinners include dabigatran (Pradaxa®), rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), apixaban (Eliquis®) and edoxaban (Savaysa®). In the right patient population, the new drugs are a safe and effective option for treating atrial fibrillation, Drs. Sweis and Biller write.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Loyola University Health System. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Rochelle Sweis, José Biller. Practical Guide to Direct New Oral Anticoagulant Use for Secondary Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation. Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2016; 18 (4) DOI: 10.1007/s11936-016-0446-x

Cite This Page:

Loyola University Health System. "New blood thinners reduce atrial fibrillation stroke risk without frequent monitoring." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 13 April 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160413151228.htm>.
Loyola University Health System. (2016, April 13). New blood thinners reduce atrial fibrillation stroke risk without frequent monitoring. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160413151228.htm
Loyola University Health System. "New blood thinners reduce atrial fibrillation stroke risk without frequent monitoring." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160413151228.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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