Which medication is commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots in Atrial Fibrillation patients?

Warfarin, known by the brand name Coumadin, is an anticoagulant medication that is frequently used to prevent the formation of blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, which can lead to increased blood pooling in the atria of the heart and a higher risk of clot formation.

By inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, Warfarin effectively reduces the blood's ability to clot, thereby minimizing the risk of stroke and other complications associated with AF. The use of Warfarin is guided by regular blood testing to monitor the International Normalized Ratio (INR), ensuring that the dosage remains within a therapeutic range that balances the risk of clotting against the risk of bleeding.

Other medications listed serve different purposes. Aspirin is often used as an antiplatelet agent for cardiovascular protection but is generally less effective than Warfarin for stroke prevention in AF. Atenolol is a beta-blocker primarily used for heart rate control and hypertension. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that can also be used for rate control in AF but does not have direct anticoagulant properties. Therefore, Warfarin's