Xarelto helps prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation

IT IS very heart warming to receive a lot of feedback, mostly follow up questions regarding our article on atrial fibrillation last week. This issue ,hopefully will answer some of those queries . Indeed, older people are more likely to have AF than younger people. in fact, the risk of AF increases with age. Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart arrhythmia in persons over the age of 60. Diabetes, excessive alcohol intake and abuse of stimulant drugs also increases the risk of AF.

Some people who have AF don't feel a thing.. Others notice changes in their heart beat right away while most would feel an uncomfortable, irregular heart beat . It is sometimes described as a " flopping" or "fluttering" feeling in the chest. Dizziness, sweating and chest pain can also occur especially when the heart is beating very fast.

Treating AF correctly is the best way to reduce risk of major vascular events like stroke. Of course, your treatment depends on the underlying cause and type of AF, your own symptoms and your level of inactivity. The three goals of all AF treatment is to control ventricular rater within a relatively normal rang, restore a normal heart rhythm and most importantly, prevent blood clots that can cause stroke from forming in the atria

In the past, doctors were prescribing warfarin and aspirin to prevent blood clots from forming. But not everyone can take aspirin, especially those with allergies to food and medicine. Warfarin users are strongly advised to have their INR checked. checking the INR helps to keep the blood from clotting at safe and effective levels, and it is advised that the INR be checked at least once a month.

Friends, lo and behold, Rivaroxaban is here, it is the newest and probably the most convenient antithrombotic agent, that is a drug to prevent formation of blood clots. Introduced in the Philippines a few months back, Filipino doctors particularly cardiologists and internists were immediately attracted to it like duck is to water. Xarelto is the tradename of the Rivaroxaban of Bayer- maker of the much-beloved and respected aspirin. Xarelto is indicated for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It is also indicated for the treatment of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and its recurrence as well as to help prevent pulmonary embolism. Xarelto is available in 15 and 20 mg film-coated tablets. The recommended dose is 20 mg once daily, in the morning. For patients with moderate kidney disease, the dose is reduced to 15 mg per day.

All medications have advantages and disadvantages in preventing strokes due tyo AFG. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) from research as well as clinical experience appears to have benefits that greatly outweigh the other risk associated with previously-used anti thrombotic medicines. It is prudent that you discuss your personal concerns with your favorite family physician.