McKenzie, Kyle2010-11-022010-11-022010-11-02https://hdl.handle.net/11299/96006The information provided in this handout does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Minnesota Medical School physicians and faculty. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and are in no way intended to take the place of the advice and recommendations of your personal health care provider. You use the information provided in these handouts at your own risk.Oral anticoagulants are effective at preventing strokes in patients who have atrial fibrillation without significantly increasing hemorrhage. The more risk factors for stroke that a patient has along with atrial fibrillation the more benefit from oral anticoagulants. The benefit of stroke prevention needs to be weighed against risk of hemorrhage, life style change, medical monitoring, and cost.en-USOral AnticoagulantsBlood ThinnersAtrial FibrillationStroke PreventionOther