Taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation

What are anticoagulants?

Anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin, for example), are medications 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

1. Anticoagulants thin the blood.

1. False
2. True

Continue to Why are anticoagulants used for atrial fibrillation?
Return to Taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation

Author:	Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: April 19, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.