Blood thinners are used to stop clots from taking shape. They don’t work to break up clots that are already there.
In most cases, they are prescribed to a person who has no clots present.
People who have had one clot are more likely to get another. If you take blood thinning medication after the first event has already occurred, this is known as secondary prevention. Three out of ten people who have had a clot will suffer another within ten years, and patients with cancer often experience higher rates of recurrence in their blood clots than other types of patient groups do.
If you are diagnosed with cancer, you will most likely be prescribed a blood thinner. While this medication can help to prevent the formation of new clots, it cannot dissolve ones that have already formed. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important to let your doctor know if you have experienced any symptoms related to blood clotting in the past.
How Blood Thinners Work
Blood thinners are chemicals that are used to reduce the ability of platelets in the blood to clump together and form a clot. The more platelets there are in the blood, the easier it is for them to form a clot.
A blood thinner works by making sure that there aren’t as many platelets floating around in your bloodstream.
There are many different types of blood thinners, each of which works in a slightly different way. Some types of blood thinners work by simply preventing platelets from clumping together, while others keep the platelets from sticking to the walls of your blood vessels. If a clot does form, it is harder for it to grow and become larger.
Blood thinners are typically administered through an injection or a pill that you take in liquid form. Some patients may also be prescribed an anticoagulant that they can apply directly to their skin. These patches are most commonly used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long-term bed rest, but they can also be used to reduce the risk of a stroke.
If you’re taking a blood thinner, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t engage in any activities that could cause a serious injury. If your blood becomes too thin, it could start to pool within your body, causing severe internal bleeding. While blood thinners can help prevent serious medical problems like heart attacks and strokes, they also increase the risk of bleeding if you’re injured.
Common Side Effects of Blood Thinners
Blood thinners can have some pretty serious side effects, including internal bleeding and an increased risk of bleeding after an injury or surgery. You’ll need to follow the instructions that your doctor gives you very carefully to minimize any potential side effects. If you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- Dark or tarry stools
- Blood in your urine
- Coughing up blood or blood clots after coughing, sneezing, or laughing
If you’re taking a blood thinner, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure closely. Blood thinners can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, which can be very dangerous. If you’ve been prescribed a blood thinner and notice that your heart rate is irregular or your breathing is shallow and rapid for no apparent reason, contact your doctor immediately.
