To avoid blood clotting problems, clots, which can block blood flow, many people take anticoagulants, medications that require certain treatments. The experts of the ”Health and Prevention” blog analyze it in a new post.
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It is essential to exercise caution if anticoagulants are prescribed.
Normally blood flows through the circulatory system unhindered. It only clots when you get a wound or lesion that needs to be plugged.
In this process, the platelets present in the blood group together with the proteins form the clot, which is a crust of dried blood (crust). These blood clots are normal, staying in place while the wound heals and then breaking up or dissolving when they have done their job.
However, as observed by art Dr. Jefferson Salas, Cardiology specialist La Luz University Hospital (Madrid), In some people, blood may clot internally, in the heart or blood vessels.
“These clots,” he explains, “are called ‘thrombi’ and can block veins or arteries, obstructing blood flow to the area. When this occurs, serious complications can occur, such as an ischemic stroke, pulmonary infarction, or myocardial infarction.
To avoid these problems, and according to data from the Spanish Federation of Anticoagulant Associations (FEASAN), approximately one million Spaniards currently receive treatment with anticoagulants.
Anticoagulants, drugs to be followed to the letter
These are drugs that usually generate numerous doubts among patients, whose intake must always be prescribed by a specialist and followed to the letter by the patient to avoid the formation of possible blood cl
“Anticoagulants are drugs that modify blood clotting so that a thrombus does not form inside the blood vessels, making it more difficult for thrombosis or embolism to occur. Its main effect is to delay blood clotting times,” underlines Dr. Salas.
These are patients who, for various reasons, take drugs to limit the blood’s ability to clot and, therefore, reduce the risk of the formation of thrombi (clots that obstruct blood flow through a vein or artery) or embolisms ( thrombi that detach and travel). to block an artery or vein in the brain or lung).
“Due to the aging population, it is estimated that clotting disorders will continue to increase,” says the cardiologist. In addition, when the specialist prescribes the use of this type of drugs, several doubts usually arise during the consultation.
The usual indication is that they are taken chronically. In some pathologies, and depending on the evolution, the doctor could consider suspending the drug, but «it is a decision that requires a mandatory medical evaluation; Under no circumstances is the decision up to the patient, as it can entail a high risk”, underlines the doctor. Salas.
Caution to follow if we take anticoagulants
The cardiologist at La Luz University Hospital emphasizes that there are a number of general recommendations or precautions to follow if you take anticoagulants:
- In case of missed dosethe next one should be taken as soon as possible; If you notice it the next day, take your usual dose and do not double it.
- You have to be careful with the taking other medications which can enhance the action of anticoagulants, such as anti-inflammatories, acetylsalicylic acid and its derivatives.
- Take always at the same time to avoid oblivion.
- In case of capture vitamin K inhibitors you will need to take a blood test called “INR”; Depending on the result, the doctor will indicate dose changes; Don’t forget that with direct-acting anticoagulants the INR is not necessary.
- You need to create one analysis at least once a yearto monitor kidney function and assess whether the dose needs to be changed.
- In case of sudden appearance of disorders walking, talking, severe headache, vision problems, you will also go to the emergency room. If suspected pregnancywill require a medical evaluation.
- Stick to the dose indicated by the doctor, without changing on your own, since there is a risk of bleeding or the appearance of a thrombus.
- Always consult your doctor one week before any surgery, tooth extraction or any invasive test (such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, biopsy).
- Maintain an open line of communication with your healthcare provider; report any unusual symptoms, side effects, or changes in your health status promptly.
- Adopt a consistent lifestyle that includes a balanced diet while being cautious about foods high in vitamin K, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of certain anticoagulants.
>In case of appearance of slight bleeding, bruising, dark stools, You should consult your doctor as soon as possible; If the bleeding is heavy, you should go to the emergency room.
Different types of anticoagulants
In general, cardiologists currently tend to indicate direct-acting oral anticoagulants for chronic treatments, since they have different advantages compared to vitamin K inhibitors.
“The latter, however, are a mandatory indication in patients with mechanical valve prostheses, where direct-acting valves are not effective,” says Dr. Jefferson Salas, specialist in cardiology at La Luz University Hospital.
Specifically, the best known is the so-called ‘Sintrom’ or ‘acenocoumarol’, but there is also ’aldocumar’ or ‘Warfarin’: «These are drugs for oral use that act on vitamin K, necessary for a part of the body. the functioning of the coagulation mechanism and are used long-term to avoid thromboembolic complications”.
As this cardiologist mentioned, another group of drugs for oral use are the so-called “direct-acting anticoagulants”, known as “new anticoagulants”, ”even if they are no longer so new”, recalls the specialist, and where they would be included , among others, “dabigatran”, “rivaroxaban”, “apixaban” and “edoxaban”, which work by blocking the anticoagulant system at a specific point, which is not related to vitamin K.
«They are used at fixed doses, without the need to carry out haemostasis checks, given that the concentration of the drug in the blood is more predictable and stable», highlights the specialist.
Ensure that the anticoagulant management is adequately addressed. This is crucial to minimize any risks associated with bleeding during surgical procedures.
By adhering to these recommendations, patients can significantly contribute to their safety and effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. Remember that anticoagulants play a vital role in managing conditions related to coagulation, and proper adherence to prescribed regimens and precautions can lead to better health outcomes.