Anticoagulation
Anticoagulation
Anticoagulation (pronounced: an-tee-koh-ag-yuh-ley-shuhn) is a medical term referring to the process of inhibiting or reducing the formation of blood clots. The term is derived from the Latin words 'anti' meaning 'against' and 'coagulare' meaning 'to curdle'.
Overview
Anticoagulation is a crucial process in the body's response to injury, as it prevents excessive bleeding by forming clots. However, in certain conditions, the body may form clots unnecessarily, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. In such cases, anticoagulant drugs are used to prevent clot formation.
Types of Anticoagulants
There are several types of anticoagulant drugs, including:
- Warfarin: A commonly used oral anticoagulant.
- Heparin: An injectable anticoagulant.
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): A newer class of oral anticoagulants.
Indications
Anticoagulants are used in various medical conditions, including:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A condition where a clot forms in the deep veins of the body, usually the leg.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): A condition where a clot travels to the lungs.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF): A heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of clot formation.
- Stroke: A condition where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
Side Effects
The main side effect of anticoagulants is bleeding. Other side effects can include bruising, nausea, and allergic reactions.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anticoagulation
- Wikipedia's article - Anticoagulation
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