The blood thinner prescribed by your doctor to keep clots
from forming in your ticker or blood vessels can help prevent a heart attack or
stroke. Heart attack and cardiac arrest are life-threatening cardiac
emergencies. A victim would require immediate treatment for survival. The most
appropriate form of treatment is proper application of the life-saving CPR
procedure. The procedure comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Proper application of the procedure can revive the life of a cardiac arrest victim.
For an AHA CPR
certification Nashville, select a certified training center, such as the
AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Both theoretical and practical
training are imparted to the students. Become certified at the end of the
training classes after successfully passing a skills test and written exam.
Follow these tips for taking blood thinners:
Avoid Falls- We
already know that blood thinners can help prevent a heart attack and stroke,
but because these drugs make it difficult for you to stop bleeding, a minor
injury can turn serious. You need to avoid contact sports and other activities
where you’re likely to get hurt. Walking, swimming, etc. are safer exercises.
Make
sure to wear a helmet, even if there's only a slim chance of a knock on your
noggin.
Follow A
Schedule- Take your medicine at the same time each day as some blood
thinners don't work right if you're not consistent. Remind yourself by using a
pill organizer or calendar on your smartphone. Do not skip a pill, even if you
forget, take it as soon as you remember. Ask your doctor what to do if you
don't realize until the next day that you missed a dose, do not double-up.
Know Your
Medicines- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you bring home
any new prescription or over-the-counter medicine, to make sure it’s safe to
take with your blood thinner as even vitamins and supplements can change the
way some blood thinners work or add to their side effects.
Be Careful
When Cutting- Wear gloves when you work with knives, garden shears, or
other sharp tools as blood thinners can turn a tiny cut into a major bleed. Be
extra cautious when shaving, and use an electric razor, if possible, so you
can't nick yourself. Do not trim your nails too close to the skin.
Apply pressure until the bleeding stops when you do cut
yourself. Get medical help if it doesn’t.
Get Tested- You may
need regular blood tests while you are on certain blood thinners to measure how
fast your blood clots. The results help your healthcare provider decide whether
to change your dose or switch you to another drug.
Watch Your
Vitamin K Intake- Too much intake can make a common blood thinner
called warfarin (Coumadin) less effective with Brussels sprouts, lettuce, and
spinach having a lot of vitamin K. Although these foods aren't off limits when
you take blood thinners, you should talk to your doctor about how much of them
is safe for you to eat.
Notify Your
Medical Team- Tell every healthcare provider you visit that you are on
blood thinners, especially before a medical procedure or when you get a new
prescription as they need to know that you’re at extra risk for bleeding. Also, wear a medical ID bracelet or tag to let emergency medical workers know about
your bleeding risk.
Look For
Side Effects- Sometimes blood thinners might cause bleeding gums,
dizziness, bruises you can’t explain, red or dark brown urine or stools, and heavier-than-normal periods. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of
these.
Keep
Supplies Within Reach- At home, have a stash of bandages and dressings
handy. It is as important to always carry some with you, in case you get a cut.
Special powder (you can purchase these products without a prescription at your
local drugstore) can stop a bleed quickly and keep it under control until
you’re able to get medical help. They are safe to use as well while you’re on
blood thinners.
Comments
Post a Comment