Atrial Fibrillation & Blood Clots
Blood thinners and rhythm medications used for atrial fibrillation and clot prevention.
What is Atrial Fibrillation and Blood Clots?
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that can increase the risk of developing blood clots. A blood clot is a mass that forms when blood components stick together. While blood clots are normal when you get hurt to stop bleeding, they can also form inappropriately in the body, leading to serious health issues.
Symptoms of Blood Clots
The symptoms of blood clots can vary depending on their location. For example, if a clot forms in the leg, you may experience pain, swelling, and warmth. In the lungs, symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain. Some blood clots may not cause any symptoms at all.
Causes and Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing blood clots. These include conditions like atrial fibrillation, being overweight, cancer, certain surgeries, and prolonged periods of inactivity. Other factors include smoking, diabetes, and a family history of blood clots.
Why It Matters
If left untreated, blood clots can lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or even strokes. These conditions can significantly affect your health and may require immediate medical attention.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for blood clots varies based on their location and severity. Options may include lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as prescription medicines. Some individuals at high risk may need to take blood thinners to help prevent clots.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience symptoms such as sudden pain, swelling, or shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Medications used to treat Atrial Fibrillation & Blood Clots
Several classes of medication treat atrial fibrillation & blood clots. Which is right depends on your health — that is a decision for you and your provider. Compare prices and coupons on any of them:
Rx Plus watches all your medications across 60,000+ pharmacies and alerts you when any of them drop in price.
Start trackingA free Rx.com coupon lets you compare cash prices at more than 60,000 US pharmacies and pay the lowest one — no insurance or signup needed. See the full medication list below.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of blood clots?
Symptoms can vary based on the location of the clot. In the abdomen, symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In an arm or leg, you might notice sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth. In the lungs, symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain.
What can cause blood clots?
Blood clots can be caused by several factors, including atrial fibrillation, being overweight, cancer, certain surgeries, and prolonged inactivity. Other factors include smoking, diabetes, and a family history of blood clots.
How are blood clots diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve a physical exam, medical history review, blood tests, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans.
How can blood clots be prevented?
You can help prevent blood clots by moving around after being confined to bed, getting up every few hours during long periods of sitting, wearing compression stockings, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
What treatments are available for blood clots?
Treatments depend on the location and severity of the clot and may include lifestyle changes and a range of prescription medicines.
Compare prices for atrial fibrillation & blood clots medications
23 medications — select one to compare prices and coupons.
- Atenolol
- Atenolol Chlorthalidone
- Digoxin
- Diltiazem Hcl
- Diltiazem Hcl Er
- Diltiazem Hcl Er Beads
- Diltiazem Hcl Er Coated Beads
- Disopyramide Phosphate
- Dofetilide
- Flecainide Acetate
- Metoprolol Hydrochlorothiazide
- Metoprolol Succinate Er
- Metoprolol Tartrate
- Procainamide Hcl
- Propafenone Hcl
- Propafenone Hcl Er
- Quinidine Gluconate Er
- Quinidine Sulfate
- Sotalol Hcl
- Sotalol Hcl Af
- Verapamil Hcl
- Verapamil Hcl Er
- Warfarin Sodium
Condition information adapted from MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Medication list sourced from RxClass (MED-RT, U.S. National Library of Medicine). Inclusion does not imply a medication is right for you.
Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.