Anticoagulation therapy
Anticoagulation Therapy
Anticoagulation therapy (pronunciation: an-tee-ko-ag-yuh-ley-shuhn ther-uh-pee) is a medical treatment used to prevent the formation of blood clots in the body. The term is derived from the Latin words 'anti' meaning against, 'coagulare' meaning to cause to become viscous or thick, and 'therapia' meaning treatment.
Overview
Anticoagulation therapy involves the use of anticoagulant medications to reduce the body's ability to form blood clots. This therapy is often prescribed for individuals at risk of developing harmful blood clots, such as those with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. It is also used in patients who have undergone certain types of surgery to prevent post-operative clot formation.
Types of Anticoagulants
There are several types of anticoagulants used in anticoagulation therapy. These include:
- Warfarin: A commonly used oral anticoagulant.
- Heparin: An injectable anticoagulant often used in hospital settings.
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): A newer class of oral anticoagulants, including Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, and Dabigatran.
Risks and Complications
While anticoagulation therapy is effective in preventing blood clots, it also carries a risk of causing excessive bleeding, known as hemorrhage. Regular monitoring and dose adjustments are often necessary to balance the benefits and risks of therapy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anticoagulation therapy
- Wikipedia's article - Anticoagulation therapy
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