Blutverdünnungen

Blutverdünnungen, also known as anticoagulants or blood thinners, are medications that help prevent blood clots from forming or growing. These medications do not actually "thin" the blood in the sense of making it less viscous. Instead, they interfere with the body's clotting process, which is a complex cascade of chemical reactions.

There are two main types of blood thinners: anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications. Anticoagulants work by affecting the proteins in the blood that are responsible for clotting. Examples include warfarin, which is taken orally, and heparin, which is usually administered by injection. Antiplatelet medications work by preventing platelets, which are small blood cells, from clumping together to form a clot. Aspirin and clopidogrel are common examples of antiplatelet drugs.

Blood thinners are prescribed for a variety of medical conditions where the risk of blood clots is high. These include atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and after certain heart procedures like the insertion of artificial heart valves or stents. They are also used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in individuals with certain risk factors.

It is crucial to use blood thinners exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional. These medications carry a risk of bleeding, and regular monitoring, often through blood tests, may be necessary to ensure the dosage is appropriate and effective. Patients taking blood thinners should inform all their healthcare providers, including dentists, about their medication. They should also be cautious about activities that increase the risk of injury or bleeding.