Blood Thinner

Blood Thinner blood thinners are pharmacological products or drugs that help smooth flow of blood through the blood vessels and prevent existing coagulated blood from getting larger. Formation of clot in the blood vessels (including veins, arteries or capillaries) and heart can cause blockages, strokes, and heart attacks. Blood thinners do not actually make the blood thinner or dissolve clots, but they prevent free-flowing blood from forming new lumps and restricts the growth of preformed clots. The types of blood thinners include (i) Anticoagulants – examples are heparin, fondaparinux, dalteparin, warfarin, and enoxaparin that are given as a shot or as an intravenous infusion to slow down the formation of blood clots; and (ii) Antiplatelet drugs – examples are cilostazol pills or aspirin, which restrict blood platelets from clustering together to form a lump.

People who have already suffered a heart attack or stroke may need a blood thinner since this drug can reduce the risk of having a second episode. Patients with heart disease or blood vessel disease, arrhythmia, or deep vein thrombosis (a precarious situation due to blood clot that often forms in the lower limbs) may need blood thinners. Some anticoagulants compete with vitamin K needed to initiate the formation of clotting factors, which assist the blood cells and platelets stick to each other and the blood vessel lining to prevent blood loss. There are risks associated with the use of blood thinners as these drugs will make someone to bleed more than normal even with a small cut in the body. It is important to take just enough drug to prevent clot formation, but not in excess that causes oozing. [Laila Noor Islam]

See also blood, blood presser.