Heart Failure (HF) affects more than 64 million people worldwide. Although the global incidence of HF has stabilized, its prevalence has increased due to an ageing population and improved treatment and survival from ischemic heart disease. How is HF related to the risk of blood clots?
When the heart muscle cannot pump as strongly as usual, pressure may build in the heart or blood may not circulate to effectively support the body. Left-sided HF occurs when fluid fills the lungs and breathing becomes difficult, a direct result of the heart’s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood into the body. Right-sided HF occurs when blood accumulates in the veins and causes the legs, ankles or belly to swell. HF raises the risk of blood clots when blood flow slows, or vessels are damaged.
Blood clots naturally form when a blood vessel is damaged. To stop the bleeding, platelets and blood proteins bind together to create a clot and protect the injured area. Sometimes, blood clots form when there is no injury, and these cause serious health conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE). HF can damage blood vessel walls, change the balance of clotting factors, or alter the normal rhythm of blood flow. Arterial fibrillation (Afib) is a common condition for people with HF creating a suitable environment for undesirable blood clots.
If you experience any of these issues, it is vital that you follow your clinician’s recommendations and take all your medications as prescribed. To help manage HF and reduce the risk of blood clots, try the following lifestyle adjustments:
- Engage in physical activity.
- Cease smoking.
- Get enough rest and take breaks to avoid overexertion.
- Manage stress.
- Eat heart-healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
For patients prescribed Coumadin (warfarin) who prefer self-directed anticoagulation medication management, try the Coag-Sense PT2 PT/INR Monitoring System. Current recommendation suggest testing once per week for optimal monitoring. Learn more here.
