0
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why must you take warfarin for life with mechanical mitral valve?
You must take anticoagulants (blood-thinners, i.e. warafin & coumadin) because the valve, although it may be accepted by the body, is an mechanical device and your blood at it's regular thickness can attach to the valve and produce blood clots. Those blood clots can dislodge (break free) and cause stroke, aneurysm or death. Therefore it is important to keep the blood thin enough to be productive but not clot. It is also important to keep your doctor and lab appointments to monitor your blood because if your blood is too thin it can cause you not to clot at all (hemophiliac) and you can bleed out from a simple cut. I hope this is helpful.
What life threatening complications can develop from thrombophlebitis?
The big threat are blood clots which might move to critical locations such as the brain or lungs.
What cardiovascular disorders are the direct result of blood clots?
Some cardiovascular disorders that can result from blood clots include heart attacks (myocardial infarctions), strokes (ischemic strokes), and deep vein thrombosis (clots in the veins, usually in the legs). These conditions can be life-threatening and require prompt medical attention.
Why are blood clots life threatening?
A blood clot that gets stuck in the brain is a stroke, in the heart it's a heart attack, in the lungs it's a pulmonary embolism and in the leg it's a deep vein thrombosis. All of which can kill you.
How do you get rid of blood clot in your leg?
Preventing blood clots in your legs is very essential, as prevention can save your life or prevent excessive blood loss from the body. It can also help in saving muscles for leg that helps in carrying blood across body.
How is a blood clot in the lung treated?
Blood Clots in the veins of Legs is a medical condition better known as DVT or Deep Venous Thrombosis. It is potentially life threatening condition and needs treatment --the sooner the better. There are a number of predisposing factors which may lead to DVT-- trauma, History of Surgery, prolonged immobilization, oral contraceptive pill intake in women > 35 years who are also smokers, long travel history, malignancy, clotting disorder etc. The blood clot may migrate to the lungs and cause a life threatening condition known as PE or pulmonary embolism manifested by sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain. Hence once a person is diagnosed with DVT, immediate treatment with anti coagulants are initiated by the physician.
Is life expectancy reduced by coumadin therapy?
No. Properly used - and monitored with PT and INR levels, Coumadin (warfarin) can potentially prolong life (e.g. by minimizing the risk of blood clots, strokes and other cardiovascular pathologies). However, risk of bleeding is enhanced by this anticoagulant therapy. Thus, if the patient is at increased risk of falling, cerebral hemorrage could occur - and this could end up reducing one's life expectancy. Ultimately, the benefits of coumadin therapy must be weighed against the risks.
What is drug given to patients to prevent formation of clots?
This depends on the location and severity of the clot, among other things. If the patient has a deep vein thrombosis, they will be placed on a form of heparin in order to 'thin' the blood to prevent further growth of the clot and to prevent additional clot formation. Heparin will continue until the patient has been taking Coumadin (Warfarin) for a few days as it takes time for the therapeutic level to be reached. Once the patient is at the desired clotting time with Coumadin, the heparin will be discontinued. The clot is often left to dissolve over time and the patient continues coumadin for several months, or for the rest of their life depending on the cause of the clot and their comorbidities. If the clot needs to be removed, it can be removed surgically. If a clot needs dissolved, as with an ischemic stroke or a heart attack - clot busting drugs like alteplase can be given. Unlike heparin/coumadin, this type of drug actually breaks down the clot - and all other clots in the body.
What is the medical term meaning treatment to dissolve blood clots in a blocked coronary vessel?
Thrombolysis is the medical term for treatment to dissolve blood clots in a blocked coronary vessel. This treatment involves administering medications known as thrombolytics to help break down the clot and restore blood flow. It is often used in emergency situations such as heart attacks to prevent further damage to the heart muscle.
Are there natural alternatives for Coumadin?
There are no natural substitutes for warfarin(coumadin). However, things such as vitamin E, fish oil, ginger, and garlic will slightly help with thinning the blood. This is a subject that should be disscussed with your doctor and family. What gives you the best chance of living a long and healthy life without dramatically changing your lifestyle? There are no natural substitutes for warfarin(coumadin). However, things such as vitamin E, fish oil, ginger, and garlic will slightly help with thinning the blood. This is a subject that should be disscussed with your doctor and family. What gives you the best chance of living a long and healthy life without dramatically changing your lifestyle?
Can a blood clot go from your lung to your brain?
This practically never happens in clinical practice. You get blood clots from deep veins of the legs. Usually the patient is bed ridden and blood get clotted there. when the clot get dislodged from there, it reaches the lungs to give you pulmonary embolism. That may be a very serious life threatening condition.
What is the purpose of thrombolytic therapy?
Thrombolytic therapy is used to dissolve blood clots in order to treat conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms. By breaking up the clot, thrombolytic therapy helps to restore blood flow to affected areas and prevent further damage.
