Can blood thinners cause low blood pressure

Posted on April 3rd, 2018

Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, can be a lifesaving medication for many people. They prevent blood from getting too thick and prevent clots from forming, which can reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. They can also help slow the growth of any existing clots.

There are many types of prescription blood thinners—some that have been available for decades and some that are newer medications. A variety of factors can impact which blood thinner should be used, and your Oklahoma Heart Hospital physician will prescribe the best option for your specific needs. Some options for blood thinners include warfarin (known by the brand names Coumadin or Jantoven), Lovenox, Heparin, Pradaxa, Eliquis, and Xarelto. 

Who needs blood thinners?

Blood thinners are prescribed for people who have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke due to an irregular heart rhythm, heart or blood vessel disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or prior heart attack or stroke. The use of blood thinners can help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in these patients. Some patients take blood thinners only for a short time, while other patients may take a blood thinner daily for many years. 

How do they determine the dosage of my blood thinner?

It may take some time to determine the ideal dose of blood thinner for your specific needs. Your doctor will work closely with you to monitor your dosage and may order blood work to check certain levels and determine how well the medication is working. 

Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, prescription medications, or anything else you are taking, whether you take it daily or only sometimes. Many of these substances can impact how well a blood thinner will work. 

Your diet is also important when taking blood thinners, as some naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in foods can impact how well your blood thinners work. Talk to your doctor about any foods you should avoid or eat consistently while taking the medication. 

It’s important to take your blood thinners exactly as directed by your doctor on the medication label. If you have any questions about the instructions, contact your doctor or pharmacist to discuss. Taking too little of the medication can mean the medication won’t work as well, and taking too much can increase your bleeding risk. 

What’s my bleeding risk with blood thinners?

Because blood thinners work to prevent blood clots from forming in the body, there is an increased risk of both external and internal bleeding when taking any of these medications. When taking blood thinners, you may bleed more from even a simple injury, such as a paper cut or minor bruise. 

Your doctor may tell you to avoid contact sports when taking a blood thinner, and you should use extra caution to avoid injury when using knives, scissors, or garden tools. If you experience an injury that could lead to internal bleeding, such as a fall or even minor car accident, seek medical attention immediately to check for internal bleeding. 

Be sure to tell all other medical providers that you are taking a blood thinner before any procedure, including dental work or surgery. Some patients may be instructed to stop taking their blood thinner a certain number of days prior to a medical procedure, while other patients will be advised to delay a procedure until they are no longer taking a blood thinner. As always, consult with your Oklahoma Heart Hospital physician if you have any questions about your medication and whether or not you should stop taking it prior to a medical procedure.

Effects of warfarin on blood pressure in men with diabetes and hypertension--a longitudinal study

Mary Ann Lim et al. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2007 Apr.

Free PMC article

Abstract

Warfarin causes extensive vascular calcification leading to increased systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in rats, may be associated with increased valvular and coronary calcifications in man, and possibly worsens hypertension in high-risk patients, particularly in those with diabetes mellitus or uncontrolled hypertension. The authors evaluated blood pressure and intensity of antihypertensive therapy over 36 months in a cohort of 58 patients with diabetes and hypertension on warfarin and 58 control subjects with diabetes and hypertension not on warfarin. The results demonstrate that warfarin therapy at conventional doses does not increase systolic blood pressure or pulse pressure in patients with diabetes and hypertension.

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Do blood thinners affect blood pressure?

Warfarin causes extensive vascular calcification leading to increased systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in rats, may be associated with increased valvular and coronary calcifications in man, and possibly worsens hypertension in high-risk patients, particularly in those with diabetes mellitus or uncontrolled ...

What are the side effects of blood thinners?

Side effects Anticoagulant medicines.
passing blood in your urine..
passing blood when you poo or having black poo..
severe bruising..
prolonged nosebleeds (lasting longer than 10 minutes).
vomiting blood or coughing up blood..
sudden severe back pain..
difficulty breathing or chest pain..

Can eliquis cause low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure. Fainting. Spinal or epidural blood clots (hematoma) Increased risk of blood clots or stroke if Eliquis is discontinued abruptly.

Is it normal to be dizzy on blood thinners?

Aside from bleeding-related issues, there are several side effects that have been linked to blood thinners, such as nausea and low counts of cells in your blood. Low blood cell count can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.