Anticoagulant

An anticoagulant is a drug or substance that prevents or slows blood clotting by interfering with the coagulation process.

Coagulation cascade: The sequence of reactions that generates thrombin and forms a fibrin blood clot. Anticoagulants work by interrupting one or more reactions in this sequence.
Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heart rhythm originating in the atria that can promote blood clot formation. Anticoagulation can lower the risk of stroke from atrial clots.
Antiplatelet drug: A drug that reduces platelet activation or aggregation to limit platelet-rich clot formation. Antiplatelet drugs target platelets, whereas anticoagulants primarily target plasma clotting factors.
Bleeding: The loss of blood from the circulatory system, either internally or through a wound. Bleeding is the principal serious adverse effect of anticoagulant treatment.
Thrombin: An enzyme that converts fibrinogen into fibrin and activates several clotting factors. Direct thrombin inhibitors block this enzyme, while other drugs reduce its formation.
Venous thromboembolism: A condition involving deep-vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or both. Anticoagulants treat and help prevent these venous clots.
Thrombolytic: A drug that promotes the breakdown of fibrin in an existing blood clot. Thrombolytics dissolve established clots; anticoagulants mainly prevent their growth or formation.
International normalized ratio: A standardized measure of blood-clotting time used to monitor vitamin K antagonist therapy. INR testing guides warfarin dose adjustments and helps manage bleeding risk.
Factor Xa inhibitor: An anticoagulant that reduces clotting by inhibiting activated factor X. This drug class targets a key enzyme upstream of thrombin generation.
Deep vein thrombosis: A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis. Anticoagulation is a central treatment for this form of venous thrombosis.

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