Is Heparin A Natural Anticoagulant , , Shri Ram Medical College
Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is a glycosaminoglycan found naturally in the human body and used as a medicine. In order to work, heparins must first rely on antithrombin. This makes them anticoagulants. More specifically, it is used to treat heart attacks and unstable angina. It can be injected intravenously or subcutaneously. Its anticoagulant characteristics also find application in renal dialysis equipment and the tubes used to collect blood samples. Bleeding, injection site discomfort, and low blood platelets are common adverse reactions. Thrombocytopenia, caused by heparin, is a lifethreatening adverse event. Those with impaired renal function require special attention. It would appear that using heparin while pregnant or breastfeeding poses no risk. Mammals of all kinds manufacture heparin from basophils and mast cells. Heparin is an anticoagulant that stops blood clots from forming and stops preexisting clots from growing. Heparin, unlike tissue plasminogen activator, does not directly
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