Anticoagulation therapy is used to treat some common conditions

Anticoagulation (AC) is the term for anti-clotting therapies or blood thinners.

Some conditions commonly treated with anticoagulation therapy are:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Prosthetic heart valve replacement
• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

The amount or dose of anticoagulation medication is customized to each individual

Given the same exact dose, different people will respond differently. Each person's anticoagulation levels also need to be continuously monitored so that dosing adjustments can be made to maintain the proper range. A simple blood test measures the amount of time it takes a person's blood to clot. International Normalized Ratio (INR) indicates the blood clotting rate and guides the physician in choosing the dose for anticoagulation therapy. Too much of an anticoagulation medication makes blood too thin and increases the risk of internal bleeding. Too little and blood clots can form.

When starting anticoagulation therapy, two blood tests a week are usually required

This frequent monitoring is required until the person's INR reaches and maintains what doctors call a "therapeutic" level, not too high, not too low, just enough to be beneficial. Once the INR is within the desired target range, and remains there, less frequent monitoring is required. However, regular blood testing is still required to be sure the INR level remains within the beneficial range.

People with heart valve replacement may have a slightly higher target range (2.5-3.5).

Anticoagulant medication should be taken at the same time each evening

The reason people take their anticoagulant in the evening is that when and if their doctor changes their dosage in response to a low or high INR, they can respond by taking the adjusted dose on the day it's adjusted. Many people use a 7-day pill dispenser and put it next to their toothbrush, so that they can remember to take their medicine when they brush their teeth at night.

Some common sense precautions for people on blood thinners include:

• Avoid traumatic sports and wear protective gear when needed
• Use a soft toothbrush to prevent gum injury. Use an electric razor. Wear gloves while gardening
• Let your dentist know you are taking anticoagulants and discuss any dental procedures you may be considering with your anticoagulation doctor before having them done

Many people on anticoagulation therapy are advised not to take a kind of drug called NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often prescribed for conditions such as arthritis, are also available over the counter. Most are prohibited during therapy, except in the case of people with heart valve replacement. Ask your doctor about your particular use of NSAIDs.

Some foods block the action of anticoagulants

Vitamin K helps blood to clot and competes with anticoagulation medication in the body. Therefore, awareness of foods rich in vitamin K is important to people on anticoagulants. Some doctors ask patients to avoid foods high in vitamin K, while others ask their patients simply to be aware of these foods and try to maintain consistent consumption.