Understanding Blood Thinners and High Bleeding Risk

Blood clots have two faces: it can be good and can be bad in some cases. In bad cases which cause your blood stop stop flow to the importance organs on human body. And blood thinners will handle blood clots, help people get better health and overcome the big troubles can happen. Let's dive in the details of this article to know more about blood thinner!

 

Main Contents

About blood thinner

People with heart disease, such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmia, are usually at risk of having blood clots leading to a heart attack or stroke. Those who recently had surgery, have an artificial heart valve, or are overweight are also at risk for developing blood clots. People with lupus, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood vessel disorders belong to this high-risk group as well.

Blood clotting is actually a healthy and lifesaving function when it happens to stop bleeding. However, blood clots can also form where they are not needed in individuals with any of the aforementioned medical conditions. When this occurs, they can prevent blood flow to the heart, lungs, or brain.

A blood clot in the heart damages cardiac muscle and causes a heart attack. When a blood clot gets caught in an artery in the lungs, it leads to pulmonary embolism. This can lead to low levels of oxygen, lung damage, and even death. A blood clot that forms in the brain can cause an ischemic stroke.

To prevent such eventualities, patients who are considered high risk are usually prescribed blood thinners. However, taking blood thinners comes with certain risks.

If you are taking or have been prescribed to take blood thinners, the following information can help you understand the risks. You might also want to start carrying a medical alert ID card or bracelet for your safety.

blood thinner diagnose

 

Types of blood thinners

Blood thinner medications fall under two distinct types: antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants.

Antiplatelet drugs thin the blood and prevent blood cells or platelets from sticking together in the veins and arteries. And you may wonder, ‘Is aspirin a blood thinner?’ Yes, it is. Aspirin, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel are all examples of antiplatelet medications.

Anticoagulants work by increasing the duration it takes for blood clot formation. Doctors usually prescribe anticoagulants to treat or prevent pulmonary embolism, DVT, and blood clotting due to atrial fibrillation. Examples of anticoagulants include warfarin, heparin, and enoxaparin.

However, there are some new anticoagulants that pose a lower risk of bleeding. These include apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban.

Blood thinners can be taken orally or intravenously. They should also be taken at the prescribed amount and exactly as directed. Taking too little can render them ineffective; taking too much can mean a higher bleeding risk.

Common side effects of blood thinners

nose bleeding

Some people become susceptible to excessive bleeding when taking blood thinners. Severe bleeding can occur in the form of:

  • Nose bleeding
  • Heavy menstruation
  • Bleeding gums
  • Excessive bleeding from a wound or cut
  • Discoloured or bloody urine or faeces

Aside from bleeding problems, other side effects include rashes, muscle weakness, dizziness, and hair loss. Taking blood thinners also increases your risk of internal bleeding due to injury.

Stay safe with Mediband Alert Bracelet

If you are taking blood thinners, make sure you wear a Mediband Blood Thinner Medical Alert Bracelet.

blood thinner alert braceletWearing one alerts attending medical professionals and first responders about your condition. It will help ensure you receive the appropriate medical attention or treatment during an emergency. If you require surgery, the doctor or surgeon can take the necessary safety measures to reduce your risk of excessive bleeding.

For high-quality medical bracelets and IDs, contact Mediband.

We make a wide variety of custom medical alert IDs for different health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, and allergies.