Have you ever heard of 'blood clots'? Sometimes, blood can form unwanted clots inside the blood vessels of our body. This can actually lead to dangerous conditions like heart attacks and strokes. Today, we are talking about a very important medicine that doctors use to prevent the formation of such dangerous blood clots. That is Heparin.
Simply put, what is Heparin?
Heparin is a drug that prevents blood clotting. In our language, it is a 'blood thinner', meaning it reduces the ability of blood to clot and makes the blood a little 'thinner'.
This has two main functions:
1. It stops new blood clots from forming.
2. It prevents a blood clot that has already formed from getting bigger.
But one thing to remember: Heparin can help dissolve a blood clot, but it cannot completely break up and dissolve a blood clot that has already formed.
Our intestines cannot absorb heparin. Therefore, this medicine cannot be taken as a pill. Instead, it is given to the body in two ways: either through a saline solution given into a vein (IV), or as an injection under the skin.
How does heparin work inside our bodies?
To understand this, let's take a small example. Imagine that the process of blood clotting in our body is like an assembly line where cars are built. It is the work of various workers in this assembly line that ultimately forms a blood clot.
What Heparin does is stop the work of two of the most important employees in this workplace.
- Thrombin: This is the main one in the blood clotting process. Heparin inactivates this Thrombin.
- Factor Xa: This is another important factor that helps blood clot. Heparin stops it from working.
Simply put, what heparin does is it puts the weapons of two of the most important workers in the blood clotting process aside and stops them from doing their job. Then the blood clots stop forming.
What are the uses of Heparin?
Doctors use heparin to treat or prevent blood clots that can harm the body. The table below shows some of these situations.
| Condition/Occasion | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Blood clot in the veins (Venous thromboembolism - VTE) | A blood clot forms inside a vein in the body. |
| Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) | A blood clot, often in a deep vein in the leg or arm. |
| Pulmonary embolism (PE) | A blood clot in a vein breaks loose and travels to the lungs, where it becomes lodged. |
| Heart attack and stroke | Conditions caused by a blood clot in a blood vessel in the heart or brain. |
| Abnormal heartbeat (Atrial fibrillation - Afib) | This change in rhythm increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart. |
| Major surgeries or accidents | To prevent blood clots from forming after surgery or when confined to bed for a long time due to an accident. |
| Kidney dialysis (Dialysis) | To prevent blood clots in the dialysis machine. |
Additionally, Heparin is sometimes given during pregnancy when there is a suspected risk to the fetus, as this medication does not cross the placenta to the baby.
What happens when you are given Heparin?
If a doctor decides to give you heparin intravenously (IV), the first thing they will do is take a sample of your blood and test it. That test report will determine the exact amount of heparin you need to be given.
A blood test called aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) is often done. This measures how long it takes for your blood to clot. Even after you start taking heparin, this test is done regularly to make sure the medicine is working properly and to adjust the dose if necessary.
How long should I take Heparin?
It depends on the reason you are being given Heparin. For example, after surgery, it may be given for about seven days or until you are able to get up and walk.
Heparin is usually given in a hospital. Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will switch you to a pill that you can take at home.
What are the benefits of using Heparin?
- Fast acting: It starts working immediately when given intravenously.
- Rapid wear-off: The effects of the drug wear off quickly when you stop taking it.
- Reversibility of the effect: If something like bleeding occurs, the effect can be reversed by administering the antidote Protamine .
- Experience: Being a well-known, trusted drug that has been used by doctors for decades.
Let's also be aware of side effects and risks.
The biggest risk of taking heparin is excessive bleeding . Even if you have a minor injury, you can bleed more than normal. So you need to be very careful when taking heparin. If you are in the hospital, ask for help before getting out of bed. This can help prevent falls.
Very important: You should tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or Ayurvedic remedies you are taking. Some medications can interact with Heparin and increase or decrease its effects. Never start a new medication without first asking your doctor.
Commonly seen side effects:
- Pain or blueness where the injection was given.
- Hair loss (temporary).
- Low blood platelet count (Thrombocytopenia).
If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately!
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not ignore them. Immediately inform your doctor or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing.
- Bleeding that cannot be stopped (e.g. from the nose, gums).
- Sudden blue spots and bruises on the body.
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
- Stumbling and confusion while walking.
- Sudden change in vision or hearing.
- Severe headache.
- Chest pain or a feeling of rapid heartbeat.
- Vomiting like coffee grounds.
- Black, tarry stools or blood in the stool.
- Brown or red urine.
Heparin is a very important medicine that can help save lives. Doctors decide to give it to you after carefully weighing the benefits and risks. So if you have any questions about this, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Heparin is a type of 'blood thinner' medication that prevents dangerous blood clots from forming in the body.
- This is given as an injection through a vein (IV) or under the skin. It cannot be taken as a pill.
- The dosage you should be given is determined very carefully through blood tests.
- The main risk of taking this medication is excessive bleeding, so be careful to protect yourself from injuries.
- If you notice any unusual bleeding, bruising, or other suspicious symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.
- It is imperative to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
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