New blood thinner may offer easier option for heart valve patients

This study tests whether rivaroxaban, a blood thinner that doesn't need frequent blood tests, works as well as warfarin for people with mechanical heart valves. Warfarin requires regular monitoring, which can be hard in areas with limited healthcare access. Sixty adults will take either rivaroxaban or warfarin for one year, and researchers will compare rates of blood clots and bleeding. The goal is to find a safer, more convenient option for long-term blood thinning.