ANTICOAGULANTS (BLOOD THINNERS)

You can understand the purpose of anticoagulants by looking at the root words of the term. Anti = counter or against; coagulant = thicken or clot.

Generic (and Brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Consult your doctor for which medications are appropriate for you.

• Aspirin
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

What they’re used for

To reduce the risk of blood clots that could lead to stroke and other medical conditions.

How they work

Anticougulants are often called blood thinners , although they don’t actually thin the blood. Rather, they help prevent clots from forming in your blood.

These medications treat conditions related to atherosclerosis, or arteries blocked by plaque.

Plaque buildup can lead to a blood clot.

• A blood clot in the coronary arteries (which carry blood to the heart muscle) can cause angina (chest pain). A clot or blockage in the coronary arteries is called coronary artery disease (CAD) and could lead to heart attack.
• A blood clot in the carotid arteries (in  the neck) can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
• A blood clot in the vassels in the arms or legs, called peripheral vascular desease (PVD), can cause pain.

Taking anticoagulant medications can:

• Decrease the stickiness of the blood.
• Reduce the like likelihood of blood clots forming.