A BETTER BLOOD THINNER

For the nearly 2.5 million people with heart - rhythm abnormality called atrial fibrillation,
the blood thinner with genetic name warfarin, is a lifesaver .. and a major problem. It's a lifesaver because it helps prevent blood clots - the in  creased risk of stroke is the scariest thing about atrial fibrillation. It's a problem because preople taking warfarin need frequent  blood tests and dose adjustments ans can be forced to declay surgery until their drug level falls. Enter dabigatran, approved by the [US] FDA. At a high dose, it appears to be better than warfarin at preventing stroke; a lower dose seems just as good and is much less likely to cause side effects. The cardiology community has been waiting for years to have a replacement for warfarin," one heart expert told cdsnews.com when dabigatran was approved.