Page 41 - Mended Hearts-HeartGuide

MEDICINES

Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin, and Warfarin WHAT ARE
ANTIPLATELETS?
The best known and longest used anticoagulants are heparin, low-molecular-weight
heparin (e.g., enoxaparin), and warfarin. Heparin must be injected intravenously and Antiplatelet medicines—
administered in a hospital setting over several days. Frequent blood tests are used aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel,
to make sure it is working properly. Low-molecular-weight heparin is injected once and ticagrelor—are used as
or twice a day under the skin. It can be self-injected and used both in the hospital antithrombotic therapies. This
and at home. Before heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin therapy concludes, means that they prevent types
warfarin is usually introduced and given orally. Warfarin therapy also requires of blood cells called platelets
regular blood tests to see how the blood is clotting. If warfarin causes the blood to from sticking to each other at
thin too much during bleeding, it may need to be reversed by your doctor. the site of a potential blood
clot and prevent the clot from
Apixaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban, and Rivaroxaban forming. This can lower the
risk of heart attack or stroke,
A newer generation of medicines, such as apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, particularly in patients who have
and rivaroxaban, also works to slow your blood’s clotting action. These are already had one or the other,
prescribed for people who have atrial fibrillation without heart valve disease and those who have certain
or who have certain blood clots. Unlike warfarin, these blood thinners do not cardiovascular conditions.
require regular blood testing, and research indicates a lower risk of bleeding
and stroke. A key consideration in using these newer blood thinners is making Excessive bleeding and other
sure you don’t stop taking them before talking to your doctor. side effects can occur, and so
talk with your doctor to weigh
Talk To Your Health Care Team (Cardiologist, Nurse, or Pharmacist) the risks and benefits of taking
these medicines.
It is important to talk to your health care team about which anticoagulant
medication is right for you. Talk about all the medicines you take—including
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements—because these
can interact with anticoagulants. Report any side effects to your health care
team. Avoid injury while taking this medicine, and go to the emergency room
immediately in such cases. Call your doctor if you notice any bleeding or
bruising. Don’t stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even
if you’re engaging in potentially risky behavior such as riding a motorcycle or
going out in icy conditions.

STATIN ISLAND: HOW CHOLESTEROL MEDICATIONS WORK

Not everyone can bring cholesterol levels down to a healthy range
with diet and exercise. Your health care provider may prescribe
medication to achieve a healthier cholesterol level. Statins are usually
go-to medications to treat abnormal cholesterol levels. These help
your body process and remove cholesterol. They’re most effective in
lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. As with any medication, statins can
have side effects. The most common are constipation, stomach pain,
cramps, or gas. People may also experience muscle pain, weakness,
or brown urine. Learn more by getting the Why Cholesterol Matters
online brochure from Mended Hearts at www.mendedhearts.org.

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