Y44.2: Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants, otherwise known as "blood thinners," refer to an array of medications that reduce the formation of blood clots in your body. Blood clots can obstruct arterial blood flow, causing a heart attack or stroke. They may also travel to the lungs, leading to pulmonary embolism, which is potentially life-threatening. When you take an anticoagulant, it makes your blood less "sticky," reducing the possibility of clot formation. While each anticoagulant medication works somewhat differently, they all essentially aim to reduce the risk of harmful clotting. It's crucial to understand that even though these medications lessen the possibility of harmful blood clotting, they can potentially cause undesired bleeding. As such, individuals taking anticoagulant medications should be monitored regularly to ensure the drugs are achieving their intended effect while minimizing side effects.