I explained how Factor V helped to speed up clotting in my last post. I compared it to pouring petrol on a fire. In this post, I will look at how Factor V is controlled. Clotting is complex but quite precisely controlled. It only takes place when and where you need it. You want the bleeding to stop at the site of the injury when you cut your finger, but you don’t want … [Read more...]
Santa Claus atrial fibrillation risk
An article in The Medical Journal of Australia raised concerns that Santa has a risk of developing atrial fibrillation because of his advanced age and other risk factors. Currently, there is no guide to help manage his condition. Fortunately, the authors of the article have come up with some useful advice. They proposed the SANTA CLAUS mnemonic to aid … [Read more...]
I need surgery – on warfarin for venous thrombosis
Many of you have had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) or know somebody who has been affected by these conditions. Some of you will have had a short course of treatment, but if you have had more than one clot, you will likely stay on long-term treatment. Currently, most people with a DVT or PE are treated with newer drugs such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban or … [Read more...]
I need surgery – on warfarin for atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a common condition. It affects approximately 1% of the population and up to 10% of people over 70 years have AF. At some time, you may need surgery. If you take warfarin there is some additional risk. Most people are concerned that they have an increased risk of bleeding if they keep taking their treatment and an increased risk of a stroke if they stop. … [Read more...]
