有效地使用华法林极富挑战性,也许超过医生的想象。60多年以来,华法林成为房颤患者的主要治疗。在使用得当的情况下,华法林每年可预防60%与常见心律不齐相关的卒中。但是,华法林是出了名的难搞,因为血液水平必须维持在一个很窄的范围,来避免有害的出血等副作用。因此,当患者开始使用华法林时,必须频繁地进行血液检测(见后文 The effective use of warfarin is very challenging, perhaps exceeding the doctor’s imagination. Warfarin has been the primary treatment for patients with AF for more than 60 years. When used properly, warfarin can prevent 60% of strokes associated with common arrhythmias each year. However, warfarin is notoriously difficult because blood levels must be kept in a narrow range to avoid side effects such as unwanted bleeding. Therefore, when patients start using warfarin, blood tests must be performed frequently (see below