You may have seen some people taking blood thinners. Have you ever wondered why? Yes, it is true that blood thinners are often prescribed after a heart condition or if there is a risk of developing one. While some people are advised to take blood thinners only for a short time, others are prescribed to take them for years.
However, blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are medications that prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger. They are essential for people at risk of stroke, heart attack, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, like any medication, blood thinners come with potential risks and side effects. In this blog, we’ll discuss how blood thinners work, the risks, and what you can do to take them safely and without risk.
First things first, let’s understand how blood thinners work.
Anticoagulants work by interfering with the clotting process. They prevent platelets from sticking together. You should know that there are some proteins that the body activates that can cause platelets to stick together to form clumps of blood cells, called clots. Clots in blood vessels prevent blood from reaching vital organs. Blood carries essential components to the rest of the body’s organs. Organs cannot survive without these nutrients and blood. The lack of supply interrupted by clots can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
Imagine blood clots as small pieces of stones in a water pipe, which clog the water supply to the houses in a locality, creating a water shortage. Blood clots are dangerous in a similar way. This is where blood clots come into play to prevent clotting. Although blood thinners cannot disintegrate existing clots, they can prevent more from growing. Thus, they prevent several serious diseases caused by blood clotting, such as strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms.
People who might take blood thinners include those who are more likely to form blood clots.
How do blood clots form?
Blood clots aren’t always a bad thing – sometimes they’re the body’s plan of action to prevent further damage. Clots can help stop bleeding from damaged blood vessels and promote healing. Clots can develop as a response to injury or trauma the body experiences during certain medical procedures. They can also form due to damage to the arteries.
Blood clots prevent excessive bleeding in case of external wounds. You may have also experienced the same if you have ever been injured. Within seconds, blood cells begin to clump together to form a clot, protecting the wound and preventing further blood loss.
Typically, as the body heals, blood clots will dissolve naturally. However, some blood clots do not dissolve naturally; some may even form inside blood vessels without obvious injury. This can restrict blood flow to vital organs and become dangerous.
When are anticoagulants prescribed?
Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners if you have a history of stroke, heart attack, or DVT or the following conditions:
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm)
This is an irregular heartbeat that begins in the upper chambers of the heart. This can cause blood to pool, which increases the likelihood of clots forming. Anticoagulants can prevent this from happening.
Hip or knee replacement surgery
You may be prone to developing blood clots in the veins of your legs after a hip or knee replacement. This can lead to a pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot breaks off from a blood vessel and travels to the lungs, where it becomes trapped.
Blood clotting disorders
Some people are born with conditions that cause their blood to clot more easily than others. In these cases, blood thinners may be prescribed for life to prevent damage and potentially life-threatening illness.
Certain heart valve problems and replacement surgeries
Some procedures may increase your risk of a blood clot forming where the new valve or device was placed.
Possible risks and side effects
While blood thinners can prevent serious complications, they also carry the risk of excessive bleeding. Common side effects include:
- Nosebleeds
- Easy bruising
- Bleeding gums
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
Management of anticoagulants
If you are taking blood thinners, it is essential to:
- Take them as prescribed and avoid skipping doses.
- Tell your doctor about any new medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with blood thinners.
- Watch for signs of bleeding and report any unusual bleeding to your doctor.
- Have regular blood tests to monitor your blood clotting time.
Final thoughts
While the primary function of blood thinners is to prevent blood clots, they can also have other health consequences. For example, some blood thinners can interact with certain foods or drinks, affecting their effectiveness. It is essential to consult with your doctor about any dietary concerns.
Additionally, blood thinners may affect your lifestyle. Certain activities, such as contact sports or invasive procedures, may carry a higher risk of bleeding while taking blood thinners. Talk to your doctor to determine appropriate precautions.
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