What is the primary goal of anticoagulant medications?

The primary goal of anticoagulant medications is to prevent blood clots. These medications work by inhibiting specific factors in the blood coagulation cascade, reducing the ability of blood to clot. This is crucial in conditions where there is a high risk of thrombus formation, such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and after certain types of surgeries. By preventing the formation of clots, anticoagulants help to reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions such as stroke and pulmonary embolism.

The other options address different aspects of cardiovascular treatment but do not align with the specific action of anticoagulants. Reducing heart rate pertains to medications like beta-blockers, while blood pressure management involves antihypertensive drugs. Stimulation of cardiac function relates to inotropes or heart stimulators, which also do not have a role in the anticoagulation process. Thus, the focus of anticoagulants clearly centers on the prevention of blood clot formation, making it the correct answer.