Blood thinners protect your life by lowering your risk for blood clots. But if you take these medications, you also need comprehensive anticoagulation management. Advanced Heart Care Associates schedules regular anticoagulation management appointments to closely monitor the blood levels of your medication, watch for side effects, and answer any questions you might have about your treatment. If you need anticoagulation management, call their Henderson, Nevada office or one of the two offices in Las Vegas, Nevada, or book an appointment online today.
Anticoagulation management is an essential service for people taking medications to stop existing blood clots from getting larger and prevent future blood clots and strokes. These medications, called anticoagulants or blood thinners, include:
Anticoagulants only work properly when your blood levels of the medication stay within a specific range. Having too little can result in a blood clot, while too much can lead to bleeding.
Anticoagulant management protects your health by closely monitoring your blood levels and adjusting your dose as needed.
Advanced Heart Care Associates may prescribe anticoagulants for conditions such as:
You also need to take anticoagulants to prevent blood clots after surgery and if you're immobile due to hospitalization or an illness.
Some anticoagulants, such as warfarin, require regular tests to closely monitor your blood levels. If you need blood tests, the anticoagulant management specialists take care of them during your appointments.
During your anticoagulant management appointment, your provider may:
Your provider also talks with you about watching for specific signs of bleeding and clotting and how to know when you need immediate medical attention.
Your medications and diet are a concern when you take warfarin. Certain medications can affect warfarin's effectiveness. For this reason, your provider monitors any other medications you take and notes any changes that may interact with warfarin.
If you take warfarin, you also need to be aware of the amount of vitamin K you consume. Vitamin K promotes blood clotting while warfarin makes blood clot more slowly.
Your provider determines the dietary vitamin K you normally consume and uses it to determine your warfarin dose. Making a change in your diet means you need a different dose.
If you need anticoagulation management, call Advanced Heart Care Associates or book an appointment online today.