What are Warfarin and Heparin?
- keyanazahiri
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Good morning everyone! Happy Spring! Today we will be continuing our April theme of cardiac medications by discussing Warfarin and Heparin.
Heparin and Warfarin are both medications used to prevent blood clots, although their mechanisms of action are different.
Heparin is a medication that is typically administered through an IV and functions as an anticoagulant, meaning that it prevents clots from forming. It functions by promoting the activity of antithrombin 3, a protein found naturally in the body that helps prevent clots from forming. Heparin is most commonly used during open heart surgery prior to going on the heart-lung (cardiopulmonary bypass) machine to prevent clotting. It is also used in lower doses to prevent blood clots from forming in patients for other surgeries, in patients who will be bedridden for long periods of time, in patients receiving dialysis, and more.
Warfarin is another commonly used medication used to prevent blood clots. It works by blocking the effects of Vitamin K, which normally helps clot blood. Common brand names for Warfarin are Jantoven or Coumadin. While Heparin is mostly administered in the hospital via an IV, Warfarin is a pill that can be taken at home. Warfarin is most often prescribed for patients who receive a mechanical heart valve replacement, as a medication that must be taken forever to prevent blood clots from forming. However, excessive Warfarin carries a risk of bleeding. Therefore, those on Warfarin will require regular blood tests to monitor their INR, which is a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot. This is to ensure that patients have a stable level of Warfarin in their body that maintains a balance of preventing clot formation, while also not causing excessive bleeding. Warfarin is also commonly prescribed for resolving blood clots that have been identified in the body or for an irregular heart rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation.
To reiterate, while both of these medications have great benefits in preventing blood clots, they do carry an increased risk of dangerous bleeding. You may have to hold off on some of these medications before having certain medical procedures, including dental work. It is important to consult your doctor and healthcare team to make sure these medications are appropriate for you.
Best wishes,
Keyana Zahiri
Brown Medical Student
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/in-depth/warfarin-side-effects/art-20047592#:~:text=Warfarin%20(Jantoven)%20is%20a%20medicine,if%20you%20take%20the%20medicine.
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