What condition is warfarin primarily used to treat and prevent?

Warfarin is primarily used to treat and prevent thromboembolic disorders, which include conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Thromboembolic disorders arise from the formation of blood clots that can obstruct blood vessels, leading to serious complications if they travel to critical areas like the lungs or brain.

Warfarin functions as an anticoagulant by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. This action prevents the formation of new clots and helps to reduce the risk of existing clots growing larger. Its use is crucial for patients who are at high risk for thromboembolic events, such as those with certain heart conditions (like atrial fibrillation), a history of thrombosis, or specific types of surgeries.

While the other conditions listed, such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and cardiac arrhythmias, are significant medical concerns, they are not primarily managed with warfarin. Treatments for those conditions differ and do not involve this specific anticoagulant therapy.