Anti-Coagulation - thinning the blood |
|
One of the first things that the doctor will need to address is the need for thinning the blood. Since the top chamber of the heart is not squeezing or pumping as efficiently in atrial fibrillation, there is a chance that blood clots might form and could pose a danger for stroke if they break loose and enter the blood stream. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of someone with AF having a stroke: age, valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, prior stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). Your doctors will weigh the risk factors and discuss with you the importance of anticoagulation (thinning the blood) to prevent blood clot formation. Your doctors may talk to you about taking warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin to thin your blood. |
