- Blood thinners can work to prevent heart attacks by helping your body block your blood’s ability to clot.
- There are two common types of blood thinners: anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Anticoagulant medications work by slowing down the clot formation process of the body. Antiplatelet medications work by preventing platelets from clumping together to form new clots.
- It’s important to consult a doctor when considering a blood thinner as they will work to find the right type and balance of medication for you as an individual.
Prevention is of utmost importance when it comes to heart attacks. If you’ve already had a heart attack, you likely have a higher risk of having a second one, so it’s important to take preventative action to prevent this from happening. There are many lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your risk of having a heart attack, but another common component to prevent heart attacks involves the use of blood thinners.
If you’re at high risk of a heart attack, follow along for our guide on why you may want to consider a blood thinner.
What Causes A Heart Attack
It’s important to understand the facts when it comes to heart attacks and what causes them. Many heart attacks and strokes are caused by blood clots that form in damaged blood vessels. These clots can break away and flow through the circulatory system to the heart or brain, causing heart attacks or strokes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 610,000 people in the U.S. pass due to cardiovascular disease each year. The American Heart Association reports that many heart attacks are caused by excessive blood clotting and 80 percent of people who have diabetes mellitus pass away due to clotting-related conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. People who have risk factors for excessive blood clotting may be prescribed anticoagulants or antiplatelets to reduce their risks of blood clots and the resulting cardiovascular events.
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