Atrial fibrillation: Taking anticoagulants safely
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Atrial fibrillation: Taking anticoagulants safely
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What are anticoagulants?
Anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin, for example), are medicines that help prevent blood clots. Anticoagulants are often called blood thinners, but they do not actually thin the blood. Instead, they work by increasing the time it takes a blood clot to form.
Test Your Knowledge
Anticoagulants thin the blood.
- This answer Incorrect
Anticoagulants do not thin the blood. Instead, they increase the time it takes for a blood clot to form.
- This answer is Correct
Anticoagulants do not thin the blood. Instead, they increase the time it takes for a blood clot to form.
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Why are anticoagulants used for atrial fibrillation?
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Atrial fibrillation: Taking anticoagulants safely
Last Updated:
December 18, 2008- Author:
- Robin Parks, MS
- Medical Review:
- Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
John M. Miller, MD - Electrophysiology
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