Explore the Benefits of Coumadin

When used properly and following a doctor’s prescribed treatment methods, Coumadin is an effective anticoagulant, or blood thinner. Coumadin is primarily used to treat blood clots in the veins and arteries. This makes it useful in reducing the risk of pressing health concerns like stroke and heart attack. 

Here are some reasons that an anticoagulant like Coumadin may be beneficial for you:

  • The risk of life-threatening concerns is decreased
  • The effects of Coumadin are fast-acting, meaning you’ll see results during your treatment
  • Frequent contact with your cardiologist ensures that your anticoagulant treatment is more effective and better monitored.
  • Coumadin helps to treat existing blood clots as well as slowing the development of new clots

Why You Might Need Coumadin

Heart conditions are some of the most common medical concerns in the United States. As such, medical providers and researchers have developed medications and treatment plans that can help limit the effects of heart disease. 

Coumadin has been used in a variety of applications for a number of medical reasons. You may be prescribed Coumadin in our clinic if you have one of the following medical concerns:

  • Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

    • When a clot is formed deep in the veins of the legs or arms, it’s called DVT. This clot could break apart and enter the lungs, leading to PE.
  • Valve Replacement

    • While a replacement valve can be helpful in improving your overall heart health, they can be hampered by a clot. If the clot breaks off the replacement valve, it could lead to a stroke.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease

    • This occurs when your legs, arms, and feet get an inadequate supply of blood. Eventually, your arteries begin to clog and harden as a result.
  • Transient Ischemic Attack

    • This is a brief form of stroke that occurs when blood flow to the brain is halted temporarily.
  • And many other conditions

When taken regularly and paired with a healthy diet, you’ll benefit the most from the use of Coumadin. 

How Our Clinic Uses Coumadin

Our offices help provide monitoring for our patients taking Coumadin and other alternative blood thinning medications. We monitor the International Normalized Ratio (INR) for blood clotting capability of the blood. Registered nurses will be able to advise you if any dietary or medication adjustments will be needed after consulting with your cardiologist.

Is A Coumadin Clinic Needed?

Any patient taking anticoagulant medication should be aware of the potential side effects if it is not administered correctly or complications occur. In certain cases, it can even be life-threatening or lead to serious illness. Our anti-coagulation clinics are the easiest way for medical professionals to monitor your progress.

What To Expect

Appointments are usually brief but may involve the need to come into the office one or several times per week initially for proper medication adjustments until the desired effect is reached. During the appointment, your nurse will use a finger stick to take a sample of your blood. Your PT/INR (Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ration) level will be analyzed and reviewed to determine any adjustments that will be needed for your medication. You will also be told about any drug, diet, or other complications in relation to the drug.

If you have any questions or you’re ready to speak with a cardiologist, give us a call today.