One of the highest health risks many Americans face is the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

In fact, some studies suggest that heart disease is actually the leading cause of death in most demographic groups. And it is estimated that one person will die from a heart attack every 30-40 seconds in the United States alone. Now, while these facts are scary, there are many ways you can lower your own risk of developing heart disease.

Many medical professionals use blood thinners as a form of medication to help those at risk of developing heart disease or getting a heart attack. In fact, blood thinners are said to be one of the most prescribed, if not the most, medicines prescribed by cardiologists.

The reason that cardiologists go to blood thinners on many occasions is because of the medicine's ability to actually reduce the risk of a blood clot forming by focusing on artery and blood vessel pathways that could become congested. And there are two different types of blood thinners that would be described-either coumadin or NOAC.

While you should always talk to your doctor about what type of blood thinner could be right for you, we want to give you an overview of the benefits and potential side effects of both. That way you can make a well-informed decision when it comes to your heart's health.

Everything to Know About Coumadin

1. Around for Decades

Coumadin is the first type of blood thinner to be created and dates back all the way to the 1950s. While many people do not like it, the success it has had for many is impressive. For many decades coumadin was the go-to blood thinner that would be prescribed and set the bar for what a blood thinner should be able to do for patients.

2. Prevents Clotting

Coumadin works by preventing clotting from happening within the blood that is reliant on vitamin K. Most often, the blood that is clotting will transform into a group of cells that are now stuck together and this is what then becomes dangerous for the blood vessels. But coumadin is able to ensure that these types of clots do not happen.

3. Tests Required

Those who are on coumadin will be requested to get blood tests frequently, especially if this is the first time they are taking this blood thinner. This is because the amount of time it takes for your blood to clot needs to be checked. If the time is too low then the risk of clotting increases, but if the time is too high then the risk of bleeding increases. It is all about ensuring there is the perfect balance of time as a result of coumadin.

4. Dietary Restrictions

If you are taking a coumadin blood thinner then you will likely be placed on a certain diet. You will be asked to minimize eating foods rich in vitamin K, such as leafy greens. Vitamin K and coumadin dance a fine line and the amount of both needs to be even to ensure that the blood thinners can work.

Everything to Know About NOAC

1. The Newer Version

While coumadin has been around for decades, NOAC has come on to the scene in the last couple of years. And now NOAC has become the blood thinner medication of choice for many cardiologists and patients alike. However, it is important to note this type of blood thinner is not for everyone and will not work for those who have a mechanical heart valve or a mitral valve that is narrowing.

2. No Blood Tests Needed

Because this type of blood thinner does not interact with vitamin K in the same way, there is less risk of the balance of the two becoming imbalanced. Because of this, those with this type of blood thinner do not need to have frequent blood tests as there is also generally less risk of bleeding in general.

3. Dietary Cautions

However, as with any medication, dietary precautions should still be taken even though the same right of vitamin K is not present with NOAC. Some studies have seen side effects take place with NOACs are mixed with various Chinese herbs, ginseng and ginger. So always talk to your doctor about precautions to take and foods or other supplements to avoid.

Conclusion

A healthy diet and exercise is often the best way to protect your heart. But there are a variety of reasons you may need to be placed on blood thinners. If that does happen, know there are two different kinds and you should pick the one that makes the best sense for you.