Blood thinners can offer many benefits to the responsible user. From smooth and seamless blood flow to treating heart conditions, blood thinners have the ability to help our bodies better conduct their natural processes when used safely.
What are Blood Thinners?
Blood thinners, officially called anticoagulants, prevent blood clots (clumps) from forming in your bloodstream. Blood clots can pose a danger if they migrate and get stuck in a narrow vessel, restricting blood flow to vital organs, such as your brain or lungs.
If a blood clot occurs in your heart, it could cause a heart attack. A blood clot in the brain would cause a stroke, whereas one in the lungs would cause a pulmonary embolism.
Clearly, blood clots are something we hope to avoid as we age. Blood thinners can help us to avoid them.
Do You Need Blood Thinners?
There are a number of reasons why your healthcare provider might prescribe blood thinners. Possible conditions that are helped by use of blood thinners include:
- Atrial Fibrillation (Irregular Heart Beat)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Pulmonary Embolism
- If you’ve had recent surgery
Don’t start a daily regimen of blood thinners without first consulting with your primary care physician. He or she will give you the best advice on how to start a blood thinner routine.
Side Effects of Blood Thinners
Blood thinners, while preventing clots, also raise the risk of over-bleeding. This could happen when playing sports or getting a seemingly mild injury, such as bumping your head.
You should avoid high-risk activities or any other event that could be potentially damaging to your body.
Common side effects of blood thinners include:
- Bruising
- Bleeding from the gums
- Nosebleeds
- Prolonged bleeding from a small cut
- Heavy periods for women
- Discoloured urine
In general, the benefits of using blood thinners outweigh the side effects if your doctor has recommended you take them.
Safety Precautions When Taking Blood Thinners
There are a number of safety precautions you should take when following a daily regimen of blood thinners.
Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or keeping a card in your wallet to inform the right people that you take blood thinners, should an emergency occur.
Keep a consistent diet and monitor food you eat that is high in Vitamin K.
Don’t start a diet or weight loss program while taking blood thinners.
As mentioned earlier, avoid sports or activities that are high-risk for injury. Consider walking, swimming, or gentle yoga instead.
Take extra precautions when working with knives, scissors, or other sharp objects with which you could inadvertently cut yourself.
Where To Purchase Blood Thinners
Blood thinners in NZ are available at your local pharmacy. They can be available with or without prescription, depending on the specific blood thinner. Most low-dose aspirin blood thinners are available without a prescription.
You need to remember to always follow the advice of your prescribing doctor or consult a physician if using blood thinners without a prescription. When in doubt, reach out to your healthcare provider.