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What is the difference between anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents

There are a number of medications designed to thin the blood. All of these drugs can be divided into two types: anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. They are fundamentally different mechanism of action. For a person without medical training to understand this difference is difficult enough, but the article will be given simplistic answers to important questions.

Why do I need to thin the blood?

Blood clotting is the result of a complex sequence of events known as hemostasis. Thanks to this function, the bleeding stops and the blood vessels heal quickly. This happens due to the fact that tiny fragments of blood cells (platelets) stick together and "seal" the wound. The coagulation process includes as many as 12 clotting factors that transform fibrinogen into a network of fibrin threads. In a healthy person, hemostasis is activated only in the presence of wounds, but sometimes the result of disease or improper treatment occurs uncontrolled blood clotting.

When taking anticoagulants do experience side effects differ from complications that may occur while taking antiplatelet agents. The main side effect is that the patient may suffer from long and frequent bleeding. This can cause the following symptoms:

  • blood in the urine;
  • black stool;
  • bruises on the skin;
  • continuous bleeding from the nose;
  • bleeding gums;
  • vomiting blood or coughing up blood;
  • long menstrual period in women.

But for most people, the benefits of anticoagulants outweigh the risk of bleeding.

What is the difference between anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents?

Having studied the properties of two types of drugs, you can come to the conclusion that they are both designed to do the same job (to thin the blood), but in different ways. The difference between the mechanisms of action that anticoagulants usually act on proteins in the blood to prevent the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin (the key element, which forms clots). But antiplatelet agents act directly on platelets (by binding and blocking the receptors on their surface).

When blood clotting is activated, special mediators released by damaged tissue and platelets respond to these signals by sending special chemical substances which trigger blood coagulation. Antiplatelet agents block these signals.

Precautions while taking blood thinners

If prescribed anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents (sometimes they can be complex), then you need to pass a test of blood clotting. The results of this simple analysis will help the doctor determinethe exact dose of medication to be taken every day. Patients taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents should inform dentists, pharmacists and other health care professionals about the dosage and time of medication.

Garlic

Garlic is the most popular natural remedy for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease. Garlic contains allicin, which prevents the adhesion of platelets and formation of blood clots. In addition to its antiplatelet action, garlic also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, which is also important for the health of the cardiovascular system.

Ginger

Ginger has the same positive effects as antiplatelet medications. You must use at least 1 teaspoon of ginger every day in order to notice the effect. Ginger may reduce the stickiness of platelets and reduce blood sugar levels.

Ginkgo biloba

The use of Ginkgo biloba may help to thin the blood to prevent excessive stickiness of platelets. Ginkgo biloba inhibits platelet-activating factor (specific chemical that causes the blood to clot and form clots). In 1990-m to year was officially confirmed that Ginkgo biloba effectively reduces excessive adhesion of platelets in the blood.