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More watery blood may be better for your circulatory system and heart, it says. Some research-based evidence suggests that people who have thicker blood may be at higher risk of developing a stroke or having a heart attack. The blood is viscous, or thicker, and higher viscosity makes it more difficult for a fluid to flow; think of honey or thickened oil. When blood is thick enough not to flow easily, your heart has to work that much harder to move it throughout your body. Also, viscous blood is more likely to develop into clots in your veins and arteries. Moderate drinking is one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men.
Blood thinner medications prevent blood from sticking together (coagulation) which increases the amount of time it … Females retain more alcohol in the bloodstream than males, so they are at higher risk of developing problems from combining alcohol with medications. As females retain more alcohol in the bloodstream than males, they are at higher risk of developing problems from combining alcohol with medications. Get emergency medical care immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of severely low blood pressure. Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations characterize this type of irregular heartbeat. People diagnosed with AFib are five times more likely than people without AFib to have a stroke.
Are some blood thinners different than others in this regard, or is it all the same risk?
There are numerous types of medications, both prescription and non-prescription, that have the potential to interact with alcohol depending on how much and how often you drink. We are just going to touch on some common ones and their respective side effects, but you can view a more comprehensive list here. When a woman drinks, the alcohol in her bloodstream typically reaches a higher level than a man’s even if both are drinking the same amount. This is because women’s bodies generally have less water than men’s bodies.
Since blood thinners and alcohol are both anticoagulants, taking them together can cause serious issues. Heavy alcohol consumption can also lead to accidents, mental health issues like depression, risky sexual behaviors, and liver disease. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by aspirin. Blood thinners, such as Warfarin, can increase your risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Video—Staying Active and Healthy with Blood Thinners
This isn’t usually a major concern unless they’re extensive or the discoloration seems extreme. People who said they drink a lot of liquor also tended to binge drink, which counteracts any helpful effects you might get from alcohol in moderation. Another study found that, compared to non-drinkers, people who drank more than 3 ounces of liquor per week had a 53% higher risk of DVT.
If there is too much blood thinner in your body, you could bleed too much. However, many people aren’t aware of these risks, even if they are written on the medication label. One of the main risks that can increase when you combine https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/blood-thinners-and-alcohol-risks-and-side-effects/ is the risk of a stomach bleed or developing a bleeding stomach ulcer. Fortunately, if you are diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, there are effective treatments that can help the ulcer heal.
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Not only does alcohol thin your blood, but long-term alcohol abuse can also increase your risk of conditions ranging from diabetes to liver disease to cancer. If you’re struggling to control your drinking, then you may have a more serious problem. As we mentioned earlier, thin blood can increase your risk of excessive bleeding and stroke.
If you fall or bump your head while taking a blood thinner, you may have internal bleeding – even if there’s no external sign you’ve been hurt. The most common blood thinner that doctors prescribe is warfarin (Coumadin®, COU-mad-din). Your doctor may also discuss using one of the newer blood thinners depending on your individual situation. Depending on where you receive care, you may be seen by a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or other health care professional. The term “doctor” is used in this booklet to refer to the person who helps you manage your blood thinner medicine.
However, more research is necessary to determine whether alcohol use is directly responsible for these possible heart benefits. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
- But, outside of that scenario, most people will have only mild to moderate short-term complications from alcohol use, and their long-term risks should remain low.
- Depending on how this interaction works, it could cause the blood to become too thin, creating a high risk for bleeding from minor injuries.
- If you drink to excess on a regular basis, you run the risk of excessive bleeding or even a bleeding stroke, even if you stop taking your blood thinners for a time.
However, if you are taking blood thinners, drinking even that much may be risky. Your doctor should explain these important facts to you, along with information about your specific health status. If you don’t have major health issues, you may be able to drink lightly to moderately with your doctor’s permission.
How does alcohol consumption affect my high cholesterol or risk of other cardiovascular issues?
Blood thinners may interact with certain foods, medicines, vitamins, and alcohol. Make sure that your health care provider knows all of the medicines and supplements you are using. Alcohol being a blood thinner may also make it riskier to take certain medications, especially medications that can also work as a blood thinner or that can have an anti-inflammatory effect. The combination of these drugs can prevent your blood from clotting even when it needs to, which can have a wide range of negative consequences. When a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to your heart, a heart attack can occur. If a clot blocks blood flow into your brain, it can cause a stroke.
- Because alcohol mixes with body water, a given amount of alcohol is more concentrated in a woman’s body than in a man’s.
- There are several ways combining blood thinners with alcohol can put your health at risk.
- It does this by cutting down the number of platelets in your blood.
- Some alcohol use may still be permissible; however, consultation with a doctor is essential to determine the risks for specific situations.