Which class of drugs is used to prevent blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation?

Anticoagulants are the class of drugs specifically used to prevent blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, which can increase the risk of stroke due to the formation of blood clots in the heart. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting various factors in the blood coagulation pathway, reducing the blood's ability to clot and thus lowering the risk of thrombus formation.

In clinical practice, common anticoagulants such as warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban are frequently prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent the complications associated with potential stroke. These medications play a crucial role in managing the risks associated with this arrhythmia, making anticoagulants an essential part of the therapeutic approach for these patients.