At High Risk of Heart Attack? Why You May Want A Blood Thinner

Common Side Effects of Blood Thinners

As with many forms of medication, blood thinners do come with a few side effects you should be aware of. A few of the most common side effects include bruises, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit, blood in stool or red-tinged urine.

Side effects that are rarer include heavy bleeding, strokes, rashes, and hair loss. People who experience heavy bleeding from their gums or nose or who have sudden, severe headaches while taking blood thinners should seek medical attention immediately.

Medical Risk Factors for Heart Attacks

There are a variety of both medical and lifestyle factors you should be aware of if you’re concerned about having a heart attack. In its 2019 update to the annual Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, the American Heart Association identifies several risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

The identified medical risk factors include being overweight or obese, high blood cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, kidney disease and metabolic syndrome. If you have been diagnosed with any of these medical conditions, it’s important to really pay attention to your lifestyle and the factors you can control to mitigate your risk.