Anticoagulants are essential medications for nearly a million Spaniards, prescribed under medical supervision to reduce blood clotting. Their primary function is to make blood more liquid, thereby preventing the formation of clots that could circulate through the bloodstream.

These drugs are indicated for patients with various conditions, including certain heart or vascular diseases, atrial fibrillation, after heart valve replacement surgery, or to prevent thrombosis and clots after procedures or in cases of congenital heart defects and antiphospholipid syndrome.

There are different types of anticoagulants. Sintrom, an oral anticoagulant of the vitamin K antagonist group, is well-known but requires frequent dose adjustments and a diet controlled for vitamin K-rich foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or spinach. Other options include injectable heparin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which are more stable, require fewer controls, and are not affected by diet, making them widely used for stroke and embolism prevention.

Despite the importance of these treatments, it is estimated that half of anticoagulated patients are not well-managed, posing a life risk. Specialists at Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor emphasize the importance of attending medical check-ups and following healthy lifestyle guidelines.

Key recommendations include maintaining a varied and healthy diet, avoiding foods rich in vitamin K if taking Sintrom, not smoking, controlling overweight and obesity, reducing alcohol consumption, engaging in moderate exercise, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.

The Hematology Unit at Sagrat Cor reminds anticoagulated patients of the importance of consulting a doctor for any warning signs. This includes persistent nosebleeds, blood in stool or urine, head trauma, doubts about the treatment, or if undergoing surgery, an invasive procedure, starting new medications, or modifying their diet.