Managing Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) requires strict adherence to medications, primarily anticoagulants to prevent stroke and rate/rhythm controllers to manage heartbeats.
Your AFib Medication Plan
A Simple Guide to Staying on Track
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a common heart condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For those living with AFib, taking medications as prescribed by your doctor is crucial.
Nearly nine out of 10 people with AFib who go to the emergency room because of a stroke are not taking a blood thinner, also known as an anticoagulant, or are not taking it as prescribed.
Your AFib treatment plan may include a blood thinner and other important medications to control heart rate or maintain normal rhythm. It is important to tell your healthcare team if you’re unable to get or take your medications.
When patients, caregivers, and providers work together, their strong partnership can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Understanding Your Medication
Ask your provider any questions you may have about:
- Why your medication has been prescribed
- Possible interactions with other medications you are taking
- How to manage potential side effects
Most importantly, do not stop taking medications or change the dose without consulting your provider.
Your care team wants to create the best treatment plan for you, so be open and honest with your provider. Bring any questions, concerns, relevant research, past medical history, and a list of your current medications to your appointment. Details that may not seem important to you may make a difference in forming your treatment plan.
If you have concerns about the cost of medications, your doctor or pharmacist may have payment options or additional resources available.
Staying on Track
It’s important to take your medications exactly as your provider has instructed. Keep taking the prescription even if you feel better.
It is also important to follow your provider’s advice and keep follow-up visits to closely monitor your progress while taking AFib medications.
Make sure you know who to call if you experience problems such as:
- Bleeding
- Falls
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
These symptoms may require urgent care.
Tips to Help You Remember Your Medications
- Use a pill box
- Mark a calendar or chart every time you take a pill
- Use the alarm feature on your cell phone as a reminder
- Ask a family member to help remind you
To find out more or locate a specialist in your area, visit UpBeat.org.