Abdul Mannan on Finding the Right Balance – The Blood Thinner Dilemma
Abdul Mannan, Consultant Haematologist at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, posted on LinkedIn:
”Stopping blood thinners after a clot is tricky. You might stop too soon and get another clot. Or you might stay on them too long and bleed.
We used to rely on fancy scores and tests. Now guidelines say don’t bother with most of them. Just talk to your patient.
If the clot had no clear cause, you probably need longer treatment. If it happened after surgery, you can stop sooner.
Cancer patients stay on treatment whilst the cancer is active. Simple as that.
Three months treats the clot. After that, you’re preventing the next one. That’s when the hard choices start.
Some tools help predict risk. But ASH says use them only if they’ll actually change your plan. Otherwise, skip them.
Lower doses work for prevention after the first months. Balance is everything.”

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