Blood Thinners Specialist

What are blood thinners?

Blood thinners are prescription medications you can take for certain cardiovascular conditions. They’re anticoagulants, which means that they help to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger.

Many people benefit from using blood-thinning medications, but there are risks involved. Without proper management, you could develop bleeding problems or complications affecting vital organs like your kidneys.

Your Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington provider monitors your use of blood thinners. The doctor works to ensure that these medications are treating your condition without causing you harm.

Why would I need to use blood thinners?

Your provider might prescribe blood thinners if you have a blood clot in your circulatory system. They’re also used to reduce your chances of developing a blood clot if you’re in a high-risk category.

Blood clots in your heart, arteries, or veins are a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. These events happen when a blood clot blocks the main artery into your heart or the carotid artery that supplies your brain with blood.

Blood clots in the deep veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) can also be life-threatening. They can break off and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal blockage in one or more arteries.

You might need to take a blood thinner if you have heart disease or a type of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation. Surgery raises your risk of developing blood clots, so you might use blood thinners to lower this risk if you’re having an operation.

What care do I need when taking blood thinners?

Your provider at Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington needs to see you regularly if you’re taking blood thinners. For certain blood thinners, they do a skin prick test to check how quickly your blood is clotting. They might need to adjust your dosage to ensure that you’re getting the right level of protection from clot formation.

Your provider also gives you information about staying healthy when taking blood thinners. This can include advice on diet and exercise, activities to avoid, and a list of other medications you shouldn’t take when on blood thinners.

Blood thinners could save your life, but you must use them the right way. For more information, call Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington today or book an appointment online.