Blood Clot Prevention

Understanding Blood Clots

A blood clot forms when blood thickens and clumps together. While clotting is a normal process that helps stop bleeding after an injury, clots that form inside veins or arteries can block blood flow and cause serious health problems.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. If part of that clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening. Together, DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Who May Benefit from Anticoagulation Therapy

Your doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medication (commonly called blood thinners) if you have an increased risk of blood clots. Common reasons for anticoagulation therapy include:

• Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm that can allow blood to pool and clot in the heart)
• A previous blood clot, such as DVT or PE
• A mechanical heart valve replacement
• Certain blood clotting disorders
• Recent surgery, particularly joint replacement or other orthopedic procedures
• Other conditions that increase clotting risk, as determined by your doctor

Anticoagulants work by slowing the body’s clotting process. They do not dissolve existing clots, but they help prevent new clots from forming and keep existing clots from growing larger.

What the Anticoagulation Clinic Does

The Anticoagulation Clinic at the LMH Health Heart Center works alongside your prescribing doctor to monitor and manage your blood-thinning medication. The goal is to keep your medication at the right level: effective enough to prevent clots, while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications.

INR testing: If you take warfarin (Coumadin), you need regular blood tests to check your International Normalized Ratio (INR). This measures how quickly your blood clots and helps your care team determine if your dose needs adjusting. The test is a quick, painless fingerstick, and results are available right away.

Medication monitoring: Your results are sent to your My Patient Portal and to your prescribing doctor, so everyone involved in your care stays informed.

Bridging therapy: If you need to temporarily stop your regular anticoagulant medication before a surgery or procedure, the clinic helps you safely transition to a short-term blood thinner and manages your medication through the process.

Common Blood-Thinning Medications

Several types of anticoagulant medications are used to prevent blood clots. Your doctor will determine which is right for you based on your specific condition and health history.

Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) is one of the most commonly prescribed anticoagulants. It requires regular INR blood testing because its effectiveness can be influenced by diet, other medications, and individual factors. The Anticoagulation Clinic specializes in helping patients manage warfarin safely.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and edoxaban (Savaysa) are newer blood thinners that generally do not require routine blood monitoring. Your doctor will determine if a DOAC is appropriate for your situation.

Heparin is typically given by injection in a hospital setting or as a bridge therapy when transitioning between medications.

What to Know While Taking Blood Thinners

Taking anticoagulant medication requires attention and communication with your care team. Here are some important considerations:

Take your medication exactly as prescribed: Consistency is important for keeping your clotting levels in the right range. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Be aware of bleeding risks: Because blood thinners slow the clotting process, you may bruise more easily or bleed longer from cuts. Let your care team know if you notice unusual bruising, blood in your urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from minor injuries.

Watch your diet if you take warfarin: Foods rich in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables, can affect how warfarin works. This does not mean you need to avoid these foods entirely, but keeping your intake consistent from week to week helps maintain a stable medication level. Your care team can provide specific guidance.

Tell all your healthcare providers: Make sure every doctor, dentist, and pharmacist you see knows you are taking a blood thinner, especially before any procedure.

Attend your monitoring appointments: Regular INR checks help your care team catch any changes early and adjust your dose as needed.

Reducing Your Risk of Blood Clots

In addition to medication, there are steps you can take to help lower your risk of blood clots:

• Stay physically active and avoid sitting still for long periods
• If you are traveling for more than four hours, get up and move around every one to two hours
• Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends them
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery, including getting up and moving as soon as recommended
• Know the signs of a blood clot: leg swelling, pain, warmth, or redness; or sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

Why Choose the LMH Health Heart Center

The LMH Health Heart Center provides comprehensive cardiovascular care, including dedicated anticoagulation management. Board-certified cardiologists and a specialized care team work together to monitor your medication, coordinate with your doctors, and support you through your treatment.

All testing, imaging, lab work, and treatment are available under one roof at the LMH Health Heart Center, making it convenient to stay on top of your care close to home.