Blood Thinners: What They Are and How They Work

What are blood thinners?

Blood thinners are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Stroke
• Heart attack

How do blood thinners work?

Blood thinners work by interfering with the blood's ability to clot. This can be done in a number of ways, including:

• By preventing platelets from sticking together
• By reducing the amount of fibrin, a protein that helps to form clots
• By inhibiting the activity of clotting factors, which are proteins that help to trigger the clotting process

Types of blood thinners

There are two main types of blood thinners:

• Anticoagulants prevent blood clots by slowing down the clotting process. They are typically used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
• Anti-platelet drugs prevent blood clots by preventing platelets from sticking together. They are typically used to treat stroke and heart attack.

Risks of blood thinners

Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding. The risk of bleeding is typically low, but it can increase if you:

• Take high doses of blood thinners
• Have a history of bleeding
• Have a condition that increases the risk of bleeding, such as liver disease or kidney disease

Benefits of blood thinners

Blood thinners can prevent serious complications, such as stroke and heart attack. They can also improve the quality of life for people with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

If you are taking blood thinners

If you are taking blood thinners, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You should also tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.