One of the most common questions we get centers around the use of anticoagulant drugs, either the brand drug, Coumadin, or the generic version, warfarin and whether or not an atrial fibrillation patient should be on them. Anticoagulants decrease stroke risk, but can also increase bleeding risk. How do you sort it all out? It's just as frustrating for our doctors as it is for us.
A new tool, called HAS-BLED, may help. Used in conjunction with CHADS2 scores, it can help doctors assess our risks and determine whether or not we should be on anticoagulants.
Read more about this new tool at: New "HAS-BLED" Tool Identifies Those with Atrial Fibrillation at Risk for Bleeding From Coumadin or Warfarin