Medication Categories 

Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants): 

• Prevent stroke by preventing clots 
• Examples: Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa 
• Most critical medication - never skip 
• Take exactly as prescribed, same time daily 

Rate Control Medications: 

• Slow heart rate during AFib 
• Examples: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin 
• Help reduce symptoms 

Rhythm Control Medications: 

• Try to maintain normal rhythm 
• Examples: Flecainide, propafenone, amiodarone, sotalol 
• Not for everyone 

Taking Medications Safely 

Never miss blood thinner doses: 

• Set phone alarms 
• Use pill organizer 
• Keep backup supply 
• Refill before running out 

Track side effects: 

• Unusual bleeding or bruising 
• Excessive fatigue 
• Dizziness 
• Shortness of breath 
• Report to doctor immediately 

Drug interactions: 

• Tell ALL doctors about ALL medications 
• Check with pharmacist before OTC drugs 
• Avoid grapefruit juice with some meds 
• Limit vitamin K foods if on warfarin 

Procedures You May Hear About 

Cardioversion: Shock or medication to reset rhythm 
Ablation: Destroy tissue causing irregular signals 
Pacemaker: Regulate heart rate if needed 
Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Alternative to blood thinners for some 

Discuss options with your cardiologist - not everyone needs procedures 

When to Seek Immediate Help 

Call 911 if: 

• Chest pain or pressure 
• Severe shortness of breath 
• Sudden weakness or numbness (stroke symptoms) 
• Fainting or near-fainting 
• Heart rate >150 or <40 bpm with symptoms 

Call doctor same day if: 

• New or worsening symptoms 
• Heart rate consistently >100 at rest 
• Unusual bleeding 
• Medication side effects