Blood clots affect as many as 900,000 Americans each year – and yes, you read that statistic right!
While this dangerous condition can dramatically impact your health in a negative way, it doesn’t necessarily have to. Today, numerous blood clot medications exist that can help treat the condition. And, with more products available than ever before, consumers don’t have to settle.
Read on to learn how to prevent and treat blood clots, plus top tips on choosing the right blood clot prescription medication.
Life Saving Blood Clot Medications
In addition to medical treatments, you can avoid dangerous medical situations by following a few blood clot prevention tips. Don’t smoke, get plenty of exercise and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your sodium intake, take all prescription medications as directed by your doctor, and avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time.
If you do experience a clot, you’ll likely need prescription drug treatment.
Anticoagulant Drugs
This type of medication inhibits the body’s clotting factors, a group of proteins in the blood that cause coagulation. Known as Coumadin or Warfarin, this powerful prescription is taken in extremely small doses and must be administered by a doctor.
In some more extreme cases, anticoagulants can be given either intravenously or subcutaneously. This type of treatment is performed in a clinic and may require additional testing afterward.
Anti-Platelet Drugs
These drugs are used to reduce the stickiness of your body’s platelets, the microscopic elements in the blood that join, creating a clot.
Unlike anticoagulants, anti-platelet medications are most effective for preventing arterial clots. They are not typically used to prevent thrombosis in the veins.
While some of these medications are doctor-prescribed, others like aspirin are sold over the counter. When taken in small doses, these types of drugs can be used for prevention rather than treatment.
Thrombolytic Drugs
Sometimes referred to as fibrinolytic agents or blood clot busters, these medications are applied intravenously to dissolve clots as they form. In most cases, this happens within the first few hours of a heart attack or stroke, as doctors attempt to re-open a blocked artery, preventing permanent tissue damage.
Your Perfect Prescription
Still not sure which medication is right for you? No worries! Click here to read more about symptoms, prevention, and treatment. The online world is a great place to learn more about your condition – and you might be able to save on blood clot medication, buy shopping on the internet, as well.
Taking Action Against Blood Clots
Now that you know a bit more about the different blood clot medications available, it’s time to meet with your doctor. They can also help you learn how to prevent blood clots with proper diet and exercise, and compression garments as needed.
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