Blood Thinners - What They Are, Who Needs Them, Side Effects & More

Blood thinners are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming. They do not break up clots that you already have. But they can stop those clots from getting bigger. It's important to treat blood clots, because clots in your blood vessels and heart can cause heart attacks, strokes, and blockages.
Who needs blood thinners?

You may need a blood thinner if you have:

Certain heart or blood vessel diseases
An abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation
A heart valve replacement
A risk of blood clots after surgery
Congenital heart defects

What are the different types of blood thinners?

There are different types of blood thinners:

Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), slow down your body's process of making clots.
Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke.

How can I take blood thinners safely?

When you take a blood thinner, follow the directions carefully. Blood thinners may interact with certain foods, medicines, vitamins, and alcohol. Make sure that your health care provider knows all of the medicines and supplements you are using.

You may need regular blood tests to check how well your blood is clotting. It is important to make sure that you're taking enough medicine to prevent clots, but not so much that it causes bleeding.
What are the side effects of blood thinners?

Bleeding is the most common side effect of blood thinners. They can also cause an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea.

Other possible side effects can depend on which type of blood thinner that you are taking.

[rehealthify]

We really hope you found this video valuable, informative and helpful. We’d really appreciate it if you would Like, Subscribe and Comment! Thank you so much!!

[marylouirick]

Blood thinners Meds make u feel cold. Winter time it's really hard u be cold, cold. Therefor wear a lot of clothes and put the heat up.

[laurensullivan]

Wow. Didnt mention the factor 5 which is genetic. Please revise this.

[salmanmariam]

Can they affect the fertility of a man