Potentially life-saving information for those on blood thinners: an essential read.
Doctors prescribe direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to patients with conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. While these medications can be lifesaving, they can also cause severe harm due to inappropriate prescribing. A study by Geoffrey Barnes, M.D., M.Sc., associate professor of cardiology-internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, reveals that prescription errors for DOACs occur up to 20% of the time, potentially leading to blood clots and stroke.
To combat these errors, Dr. Barnes and his team developed an online dashboard, originally designed by the United States Veterans Health Administration in 2016. This tool optimizes the treatment of patients taking DOACs and was found to reduce off-label dosing by approximately 8% and decrease the rate of blood clots and strokes in hospitals that implemented it.
Before you find yourself in a situation requiring a DOAC prescription, consider adopting habits that support healthy blood flow. Daily stretching, including passive stretching, can improve blood flow and blood vessel dilation, potentially lowering blood pressure. Foods like turmeric, ginger, garlic, grape seed extract, natto, and beets are known for their blood-flow benefits.
If you are currently taking a DOAC such as Xarelto or Eliquis, consult your doctor about verifying the correct dosage using the VA's online dashboard. This could be critical for preventing errors and potentially fatal complications. Remember never to stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor first.
Additional research suggests that vitamins, natural blood thinners, and powerful herbs can help decrease the risk of blood clots. For more information on these heart-healthy secrets, visit the link below.
Sources:- Risk of clots, stroke from incorrect blood thinner dosing reduced using online dashboard - ScienceDaily- Review of herbal medications with the potential to cause bleeding: dental implications, and risk prediction and prevention avenues - NIH- Intake of Dietary Salicylates from Herbs and Spices among Adult Polish Omnivores and Vegans - NIH- A comparative study of the antithrombotic effect through activated endothelium of garlic powder and tomato extracts using a rodent model of collagen and epinephrine induced thrombosis - Springer Link- Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, improves arterial stiffness and gut microbiota: A review and meta-analysis - NIH- Dual Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Activity of Polyphenolic Grape Seeds Extract - NIH
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, adhering to fitness-and-exercise routines that include daily stretching, such as passive stretching, may potentially lower the risk of medical-conditions like blood clots by improving blood flow.
- Chronic diseases like atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis often necessitate the prescription of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), but prescription errors for these medications can lead to severe complications, such as blood clots and stroke.
- To ensure proper dosage of DOACs like Xarelto or Eliquis, patients are advised to consult their doctors about verifying the correct dosage using the VA's online dashboard, a tool designed to optimize treatment and reduce occurrences of blood clots and strokes.
