Taking Anticoagulants For Deep Vein Thrombosis: What Are Anticoagulants
Content provided by Healthwise
What are anticoagulants?
Anticoagulants are medications that help prevent abnormal blood clotting. They work by increasing the time it takes a blood clot to form. Normally, when an injury that causes bleeding occurs, the body sends out signals that cause the blood to clot at the wound, and the clot naturally breaks down as the wound heals. A person prone to abnormal clotting has an imbalance between clot formation and clot breakdown. Anticoagulant medications prevent new clots from forming and prevent existing clots from growing (extending) by stopping the production of certain proteins that are needed for blood to clot. However, they do not break up or dissolve existing blood clots.
Continue to 
Why are anticoagulants important for deep vein thrombosis?
Return to 
Taking anticoagulants for deep vein thrombosis
Print This
| Last updated: | January 26, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
