Blood Thinners
What are blood thinners in Aortic Disease?
Blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs) are medications that make it harder for blood to clot. In aortic disease, they help prevent dangerous clots that could cause strokes, blockages, or problems with artificial grafts or stents.
Why Are Medicines Important?
Clots can form when blood flow is irregular or after surgery involving the aorta. Blood thinners:
Lower the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Prevent clots from forming in repaired areas.
Help keep stents and artificial grafts open.
Common Types of Medication Used
Anticoagulants: Such as warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or heparin. These are stronger, often used only in specific cases such as if the patient develops arrhythmias after surgery.
Antiplatelet drugs: Like aspirin or clopidogrel, usually used after open surgical repair or endovascular stenting.
Whether you receive an anticoagulant or antiplatelet, or both, depends on your condition.
When Is Medical Treatment Needed?
Blood thinners may be recommended:
After endovascular repair or open surgery to prevent clots.
When there’s an artificial graft or stent in the aorta.
If you have irregular heart rhythms (like atrial fibrillation) or other risk factors for stroke.
Possible Side Effects
Because blood thinners make clotting harder, the most common side effect is bleeding. This could include:
Easy bruising or frequent nosebleeds.
Bleeding gums when brushing teeth.
Cuts that take longer to stop bleeding.
More serious (but rare): blood in the urine or stool, or unexplained severe headaches.
Let your doctor know about any signs of unusual bleeding. Your dose or type of drug may need to be adjusted.
What Should Patients Know?
Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed.
Watch for signs of unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bruising, red or dark urine).
Tell all healthcare providers you’re on a blood thinner.
Never change your dose or stop without doctor approval.
Carry a medication card or bracelet noting you use a blood thinner.