Anticoagulant

Anticoagulant (pronunciation: an·ti·co·ag·u·lant) is a substance that prevents coagulation (clotting) of blood.

The term "anticoagulant" is derived from the prefix "anti-" meaning against, and "coagulant," from the Latin "coagulare" meaning to cause to clot.

An anticoagulant is a type of medication that is used to prevent the formation of harmful blood clots in the body. It does this by interrupting the process of blood clotting, which can lead to conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis.

There are several types of anticoagulants, including:

Warfarin: This is a commonly used anticoagulant that works by reducing the production of clotting factors in the liver.
Heparin: This is a fast-acting anticoagulant that is often used in hospitals to prevent blood clots in patients who are at high risk.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): These are a newer class of anticoagulants that work by directly inhibiting the action of certain clotting factors.

Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
Blood clot: A clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like or semisolid state.
Stroke: A condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced.
Heart attack: A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
Deep vein thrombosis: A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.

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