Question: Why do people need blood thinners and what are the risks of blood thinners? Are there natural ways to thin the blood?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Blood thinners are agents that extend our clotting or our coagulation times. The major risks are related to uncontrolled bleeding or even spontaneous bleeding in the absence of any trauma.
They are used in defined doses that, when properly monitored, are generally safe to use in pre-screened populations of at-risk patients.
Some agents affect platelet (a blood component responsible for the initial plug that stops initial bleeding while our coagulation cascade is activated) function and basically impair function for variable periods (such as aspirin, Plavix, persantine etc). There are even more potent platelet inhibitors used in heart cath labs at times of intervention that are only available intravenously.
Then there are the traditional blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin or rat poison!), heparin, and LMWH products such as Lovenox that are potent inhibitors of blood clot formation. The dosing needed is precise to avoid uncontrolled bleeding episodes. There are no approved natural products that can be safely used or recommended.
Our clotting and coagulation sequences are essential for circulation and prevention of hemorrhage. While there are many products available naturally that will affect our clotting and coagulation, it would be foolish to recommend them absent appropriate safety and monitoring data.