PRADAXA aims to prevent stroke accompanied with arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common tachyarrhythmias in medical practice. Atrial fibrillation is a dysfunction in the heart rhythm accompanied by frequent arousal and contraction of the atria or fibrillation of certain groups of muscle fibers. The manifestations of this disease mainly depend on its form, but the general symptoms include chaotic or fast heartbeat, sweating, weakness, shortness of breath. The most frequent complications of atrial fibrillation are thromboembolism, heart failure and stroke. Every sixth stroke occurs in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. Thus, according to the research, the risk of stroke with AF increases with age: at the age of 60 the stroke rate is 2.8%, at the age of 70 it accounts for 10% and at the age over 80 it reaches 23%. The treatment of this disease depends on its form (constant or paroxysmal) and, in most cases, the condition requires drug treatment.

Warfarin is one of the most effective drugs in the treatment of AF and stroke prevention. However, a significant drawback of this drug is the regular monitoring of blood tests, which is necessary to adjust the dosage of the drug. An incorrect dose of Warfarin can significantly reduce its effectiveness and not provide the desired result.

Scientists are constantly conducting research in an attempt to create drugs that contribute to the elimination of complications caused by atrial fibrillation. For example, in 2011, a new drug called «Pradaxa» was approved, which is an alternative to Warfarin, which reduces the risk of stroke in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. This is an anticoagulant oral drug that prevents the process of blood coagulation and the formation of blood clots.

The experiment involved more than 18,000 patients taking 150 mg of the drug twice a day. Having analyzed the results, the scientists noted a 35% reduction in the risk of stroke in this group of people. In addition, "Pradaxa”, which will be represented in retail trade, is affordable for each patient. No severe side effects were found during the study, as well as in the interaction with other drugs.

Thus, clinical trials have shown that the use of this drug may serve as an alternative to Warfarin in the future.

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