Can I stop my Blood Thinner?

No one wants to be on a blood thinner. But while some people only need it for a short period of time, others will need to take a blood thinner for a long time. So how do you know if you can stop your blood thinner? At the end of the day you have to balance risk for clotting off of the blood thinner with risk of bleeding while taking it.

This video is about taking blood thinners after a blood clot (like a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis). It is not about taking a blood thinner for atrial fibrillation. That is different.

#bloodthinner #anticoagulation #bloodclot

0:00 - Introduction
0:06 - We know why you had the clot
0:046 - We don't know why you had the clot
1:19 - Blood clots from cancer
1:46 - Clots from hormones
03:00 - Bleeding
04:13 - Balance risk of more clots
04:33 - D-dimer blood test
04:55 - Personalize the decision
05:41 - Hypercoagulable testing
06:13 - Summary

*Remember: This video is NOT meant as medical advice. There are many more factors that go into choosing a blood thinner. These are obviously prescription medications and you must always consult your physician.

[lianaclarke]

Hi Dr W, does APS fall within the category of hormone related blood clots?

[dmoney]

The side effects are making it so I can barely walk I'm dizzy I can't see straight I don't know what to do

[kaylynnloder]

My husband is in his mid-20’s and got a clot in his calf due to a knee injury. He has been on Eliquis for 3 months but is supposed to stop soon. At full dorsiflexion he still has slight discomfort where the clot was in his calf. Should he be concerned about going off the Eliquis or is this discomfort something that is normal? He has also started having Premature ventricular contractions since starting the Eliquis, (I know Eliquis is used to treat AFIB but can it cause AFIB?

[ladybakiza]

Thank you doctor for the video, would you please discuss blood thinner therapy, like one baby aspirin every day for those with stent in the brain due to SAH stroke (hemorrhagic stroke as you know//
is it for life every single day? Does the patient has to do INR test from time to time to check whether the blood is too thin? what is the target interval then for INR test. thank you

[bobbarnes]

Hi Dr. W - excellent video insights. I've been on Xarelto for 5 years due to unprovoked clot in left calf resulting in small PE. With no genetic predisposition, my theory is that I have a low resting heart rate and my job required me to sit at a desk for long periods of time, possibly resulting in the clot for the same reason athletes who travel internationally may experience. I'd like to wean myself off the Xarelto 15 mg. Is there a protocol for doing so, such as dropping dosage to 10 mg, then reducing frequency over time until stopping entirely?

[sandrageary]

I wonder if moving to a high elevation (6700 ft) could have contributed to my DVT, along with age, HRT, etc? If so, would I potentially be able to come off thinners if living at a lower elevation (eliminated HRT, of course)?

[bobbarnes]

Dr. W - is it ok to continue fish oil omega-3 supplements while on a blood thinner regimen?

[MarkHolmes]

what if you had a case of a-flutter but only once, some 6 months ago and no clots? Nothing since then. I was taking aged garlic extract, nattokinase, fish oil, l-carnitine, circumin, prior to this. Is it safe to take those while I'm on Eliquis? I've stopped them while I've been on Eliquis. I've seen no signs of any bleeding.. Aged 73 - lean

[kirankurwade]

I underwent CABG 2 three years ago but still on clopidegrol, aspirin and statin. I am 51 and have a super fitness as I workout regularly and eat healthy diet. My lipid profile is very healthy like LDL around 60 and triglycerides 121. But my doctors ask me to continue. Can you please guide. Thank you

[NatividadBrand]

83 yrs.old loose balance easily and fall down can he stop blood thinner

[nicholasacquaviva]

Could the Covid vaccines be a cause of my embolism? I’m currently on Eloquist and want to get off it…. All my test are inclusive as to a reason.

[jerrybrothers]

Thanks for video. question. 86yrs. Very active life style. Clot in leg vein following bee sting. Doctor wants elequis. What about short period.

[sandradowd]

I am being taken off my blood thinners this month, after, I will then have blood testing in a week after stoping.My second time in 16 months having extensive blood clots and PE.I am serching for answers .What about recurrent DVTs?I am in my late 40s.

[Robowx]

I stopped taking blood thinners a few years ago and I’m still here. The question is are blood thinners necessary?

[NoName-vxup]

Interesting. Had Catheter Ablation and was given a BT. 0 CAC score & I'm getting my clotting markers, myocardial perfusion test shortly before discussing further with my cardiologist.

[nolanmckain]

Do too much red cells or too much fat in blood cause thick blood leading to clotting?

[MrGeorgewf]

Eliquis caused the following:
GERD
Acid reflex
Loss of appetite
Stomach pain
Belching
Nausea
I’ll take aspirin to prevent blood clots.

[rukundodaneila]

What about when in monthly periods time

[robertangeles]

My Pulmonologist told me that i have abnormal blood flow in right leg . so next week they will introduce another doctor "rheumatologist " . I have PE for almost 2months now currently taking apixaban. i feel very strong, i can run . i can swim . only that 2days of shortness of breath before going to ER

[rodolfollopiz]

I got a DVT on my right leg right after contracting Covid but my doctor said that it has’t to do anything with Covid . If not because my profession that is driving trucks for long periods of been seating at a time. They also find out that my antithrombin level was low they did more test and as result I’m diagnosed with blood clothing issues now I take xarelto 20mg once a day For EVER.