PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — People with atrial fibrillation have an abnormally rapid heart rate and, as a result, are more prone to developing clots to other parts of the body. In some cases, this leads to stroke.
An effective way to prevent these strokes is to take blood thinners, which can help prevent dangerous clots from developing. However, a significant number of people don't take blood thinners even when they are found to be necessary.
For some, it is a matter of cost — several of the medications are quite expensive. Many others are fearful of bleeding in other parts of the body, and some think it is safe to skip doses because they don't have symptoms.
All of these barriers can be overcome — talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The medications can be lifesaving.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
