Understanding Anticoagulant Therapy

UNDERSTANDING Anticoagulant Therapy A LOOK AT ANTICOAGULANTS USED TO TREAT AND Blocks the re-use of PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS vitamin K in the liver • Vitamin K is needed to allow dotting and prevent bleeding DIFFERENT FROM BLOOD THINNERS-ANTICOAGULANTS INCREASE THE TIME IT TAKES FOR CLOTS TO FORM THE PROBLEMS WITH CLOTTING CLOTTING CAN BE A GOOD THING WHEN THERE IS A WOUND THAT SHOULD STOP BLEEDING CLOTS CAN ALSO DISRUPT NORMAL BLOOD FLOW AND CAUSE ISSUES SUCH AS: STROKE Occurs when there is a clot that blocks blood flow to the brain HEART AITACK Occurs when there is a clot that stops blood to the heart DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT) DVT occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body. usually in your legs PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE) Pulmonary embolism is when one or more pulmonary arteries in your lungs become blocked In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or rarely other parts of the body (DVT) WHEN ANTICOAGULANTS ARE USED Your doctor will instruct you on how often to take your anticoagulant and you should follow this very strictly You will need know what foods to avoid or limit You will need to keep your doctor informed of new or discontinued medications, including vitamins You will have to strictly maintain your visits with the doctor or clinic that manages your blood tests You will need to notify your doctor or clinic if you notice an increase in bruising or bleeding WHY WOULD I BE ON ANTICOAGULANTS? » You have a certain type of artificial heart valve • During and after surgeries, including heart surgery and hip replacement • You have atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heart beat that involves the top chambers of the heart » You have a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) » You have a PE (pulmonary embolism) ANTICOAGULANT MONITORING AND EDUCATION • Anticoagulants can make you bleed more easily or for longer periods • It's important to be aware of what activities you can and cannot do when taking them » Even small injuries could result in more bruising, bleeding, and internal bleeding during anticoagulant therapy • It's essential to know when to call your doctor, even if you think you're fine • Anticoagulants can affect other medications you take, so make your entire healthcare team aware of your medications if and when there are changes in them CARDIAC INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY: Cardiac Solu tions www.phoenix-cardiology.com SOLUTIONS Source: http://www.cardiacsolutions.net/anticoagulants_and_antiplatelets.htm