Anticoagulatie

Anticoagulatie, often referred to as blood thinning, is a medical treatment that prevents the formation of blood clots or enlarges existing ones. This is achieved by administering anticoagulant medications, which interfere with the body's clotting process. Anticoagulants are crucial for managing a variety of medical conditions where blood clots pose a significant risk, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), atrial fibrillation, and in patients with artificial heart valves.

The primary goal of anticoagulation therapy is to reduce the likelihood of dangerous clots forming in blood vessels, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to serious health consequences like stroke or heart attack. The effectiveness of anticoagulation is monitored through blood tests to ensure the medication is at an appropriate therapeutic level, not too high to cause excessive bleeding, and not too low to be ineffective.

There are several types of anticoagulant medications. Warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, has been used for decades. More recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban have become increasingly popular due to their predictable effects and reduced need for frequent monitoring. Heparin, administered intravenously or subcutaneously, is often used in acute settings or for short-term anticoagulation.

While essential for preventing clots, anticoagulants also increase the risk of bleeding. This is a primary concern and requires careful management by healthcare professionals. Patients on anticoagulation therapy are advised to be aware of signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stool, and nosebleeds that are difficult to stop, and to seek medical attention promptly if these occur.