Warfarin And Stroke: What's The Connection?

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to stroke survivors to prevent the formation of blood clots, which can cause ischemic strokes. However, the use of blood thinners may also increase the risk of bleeding in the brain, which is a cause of hemorrhagic strokes. Warfarin is a commonly prescribed anticoagulant blood thinner for stroke patients. While it can effectively prevent clot-related strokes, it may also increase the risk of bleeding and, in turn, the risk of stroke related to bleeding and blood vessel rupture. Therefore, it is essential for patients taking blood thinners to be aware of the associated risks and make the necessary lifestyle adjustments to prevent adverse complications.

Can warfarin increase the risk of brain bleeding?

Warfarin is a commonly used anticoagulant, or blood-thinning medication, for treating cardiovascular conditions such as atrial fibrillation and chronic and acute blood-clotting disorders. While it is highly effective, it is associated with several adverse effects, including an increased risk of bleeding in the brain, also known as a brain haemorrhage or haemorrhagic stroke. This is the deadliest type of stroke and accounts for approximately 20% of cases in patients taking anticoagulants.

The risk of brain bleeding is heightened when the international normalized ratio (INR)—a measure of how long it takes a person's blood to clot—is above three. This is considered an increased risk of bleeding, and intracranial haemorrhage is the most devastating complication in such cases. In fact, intracerebral haemorrhage is the most lethal complication of warfarin use, with a high mortality rate.

The use of warfarin is not an absolute contraindication to receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), a treatment used to restore blood flow to the ischemic area in stroke patients. However, an INR of >1.7 is a contraindication to rt-PA due to the increased risk of bleeding.

In summary, warfarin can increase the risk of brain bleeding, and patients taking this medication who experience acute neurological symptoms require urgent treatment to improve their chances of survival.

What are the side effects of blood thinners?

The most common side effect of blood thinners is bleeding. This is because these medicines increase the time it takes for blood clots to form. If you are taking blood thinners, you may bruise more easily or find bruises and not be able to remember how they happened. You may also bleed for longer than normal, for example, during your period or when you have a nosebleed. You may also bleed from your gums or nose, vomit blood, or cough up blood.

Other possible side effects of blood thinners include an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhoea.

If you are taking warfarin, you will have regular blood tests to check that you are on the right dose. This is because warfarin has a much higher risk of causing bleeding due to imprecise dosing. Other side effects of warfarin include skin necrosis and a blue or purple toe.

If you experience any severe bleeding or difficulty stopping bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.

What are the benefits of taking blood thinners?

Blood thinners are medicines that help prevent blood clots from forming. They do not break up clots that you already have but can stop those clots from getting bigger. Blood clots can increase your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or getting other kinds of heart disease. The main benefit of taking blood thinners is to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people who tend to form blood clots easily.

There are two types of blood thinners: anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Anticoagulants slow down how fast your blood clots and prevent any clots that do form from getting bigger. Anticoagulants are sometimes called "blood-thinning" medicines, although they don't actually make the blood thinner. They are typically prescribed to people at a high risk of getting clots, to reduce their chances of developing serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. Anticoagulants are some of the most commonly prescribed medicines.

Antiplatelets help keep your blood from forming clots by keeping proteins in your blood (platelets) from sticking together. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke or are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

The most common side effect of blood thinners is bleeding. They can also cause an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhoea.

It is important to be careful when taking blood thinners and doing things that could cause any type of injury. Call your doctor right away if you fall or hit your head, even if you don't tear your skin, as you could bleed internally.

How do blood thinners work?

Blood thinners are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming and can stop existing clots from getting bigger. They do not break up clots that have already formed. Blood thinners are also referred to as anticoagulants or anti-platelet drugs.

There are two types of blood thinners: anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Anticoagulants slow down the rate at which blood clots form and stop existing clots from getting bigger. Anticoagulants can be administered as pills, shots, or intravenously. Some common anticoagulants are:

• Heparin
• Warfarin (also called Coumadin)

Antiplatelets prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are usually taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke. Antiplatelets can come in the form of pills, suppositories, or intravenous drips. Some examples of oral antiplatelets include:

• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Dipyridamole (Persantine)
• Eptifibatide (Integrilin)

Blood thinners work by preventing or undoing coagulation, the process by which blood solidifies to form a clot. Depending on the type of blood thinner, the disruption of the clotting process happens in different ways. For example, anticoagulants work by slowing down the rate at which blood clots form, whereas antiplatelets work by preventing blood cells from clumping together.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent life-threatening conditions like strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms, all of which can be caused by blood clots.

What foods should be avoided when taking blood thinners?

When taking blood thinners, it is important to watch your vitamin K intake due to how this vitamin interacts with blood-thinning medication. Vitamin K is important as it helps to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones throughout the body. Consistency is key when it comes to vitamin K consumption while on blood thinners.

• Amaranth leaves
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Coleslaw
• Canned beef stroganoff soup
• Endive
• Garden cress
• Kale
• Kiwifruit
• Lettuce
• Mustard greens
• Soybeans
• Swiss chard
• Tuna fish in oil
• Vegetable drinks
• Spinach
• Collards
• Turnip greens
• Beet greens
• Dandelion greens

In addition to the above, it is recommended to avoid cranberry and grapefruit juice while taking blood thinners as they can increase the effect of the medicine and put you at higher risk of bleeding.

Frequently asked questions