Taking anticoagulants for deep vein thrombosis

Why are anticoagulants important for deep vein thrombosis?

Anticoagulants are important for people who have deep vein thrombosis because they can prevent existing clots from getting larger and also prevent new clots from forming. The more blood clots you develop and the larger they are, the higher your chance is of developing complications.

Test Your Knowledge

Answer the following question to see whether you understand why anticoagulants are important.

1. People who have more than one deep vein thrombosis are at increased risk for complications.

1. True
2. False

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Author:	Merrill Hayden Nancy Reid	Last Updated: April 5, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology
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