If your doctor prescribed a blood thinner, read this first! About 2 to 3 million people take blood thinners, but many patients aren’t as well informed as they should be. Here’s what you need to know about how these drugs work—and common side effects to expect.
What’s in a Name?
The name “blood thinners” isn’t quite accurate. Drugs such as warfarin don’t actually make the blood thinner. Instead, they help prevent your blood from forming clots. Blood clots are extremely dangerous. They can form anywhere in the body and then travel to the heart or brain, causing heart attack or stroke.
How Blood Thinners Work
Blood cells known as platelets like to clump together, forming clots. That’s great if you have a cut and need the bleeding to stop. It’s not so good if you have arteriosclerosis or at risk for deep-vein thrombosis. Vitamin K is an essential player when it comes to forming blood clots. Blood thinners interrupt the vitamin’s ability to coagulate the blood. These drugs can stop new clots from forming and reduce the size of existing clots.
Who Can Benefit from Blood Thinners?
If you’re at risk for a heart attack or stroke, your doctor might prescribe one of these medications. People with heart disease are most commonly prescribed anticoagulants. Patients who have an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation may also be prescribed these drugs. If you’ve recently had surgery—especially heart valve replacement—you’ll likely be given a prescription for one of these medications.
Risks and Side Effects
One of the biggest risks in taking blood thinners, even for a short period of time, is injury. Because your blood can’t clot normally, your chance of bleeding or bruising is much higher. Head injuries are especially dangerous while you are taking blood thinners. You should also keep an eye on any abnormal bleeding, and tell your doctor right away if you notice any issues.
Some people may experience headaches while taking blood thinners. But don’t reach for that bottle of Aleve or Advil quite yet! Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs) can increase your risk of bleeding. You should also avoid certain herbal supplements, like St. John’s wort, while taking prescription anticoagulants.
How to Live Your BEST Life on Blood Thinners
While taking a prescription anticoagulant, it’s important to be mindful of your health. You can still do most of your normal activities. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommends following the BEST method:
- Be Careful—Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger of falls or injuries
- Eat Right—If you’re taking warfarin, don’t eat foods high in vitamin K such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage. You should also avoid alcohol while on blood thinners.
- Stick to a Routine—Now is not the time to shake up your routine or take on major responsibilities. Your health is your top priority.
- Test Regularly—Your doctor will order regular tests to make sure that the medication is at the right level for you.
Whether you’re only on blood thinners for a few months or the long haul, as long as you follow these tips and your doctor’s orders, you should be able to maintain a normal, healthy, and active life.
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