Which medication is commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke and requires careful management. Anticoagulants, such as Warfarin or Dabigatran, play a crucial role in the treatment plan for patients with AFib. These medications work by reducing the formation of blood clots, which can occur in the atria where blood flow may be turbulent due to the irregular heartbeat characteristic of AFib. By preventing clot formation, anticoagulants significantly decrease the risk of stroke, which is a major concern for patients with this condition.

While beta-blockers can also be part of the management for atrial fibrillation, particularly to control heart rate, their primary use is not specifically for stroke prevention. Diuretics and ACE inhibitors may manage heart failure or fluid overload in patients with AFib but do not address the stroke risk associated with the arrhythmia directly. Therefore, anticoagulants are specifically indicated for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, making them the most commonly prescribed medication in this context.