This article explores how alcohol affects the ability of the blood to clot. Finally, it answers some common questions about alcohol and blood thinning. 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.
Exploring the Connection Between Alcohol and Blood Thinning
Due to the array of other possible health issues, using alcohol as a blood thinner is not recommended. Instead, consult a medical professional if you are worried about blood clotting risk factors. Blood clots are a group or mass of blood cells and other substances that form in our blood vessels. Usually, we get blood clots to protect us from bleeding out when we injure our blood vessels as from a cut or surgery. After the injury is healed, our body naturally dissolves the clots.
What to know about blood thinners and alcohol
Patients taking blood thinners to treat heart disease often also take medications, such as Praluent, Repatha, Welchol, Colestid, and Livalo which help to reduce cholesterol levels. As a side is alcohol good for blood clots effect statins can reduce the level of platelets in your blood, suggesting these drugs might also act as mild anticoagulants. People who already suffer from blood clots should not drink alcohol at all, especially if your doctor has prescribed any blood-thinning medication. Mixing alcohol with any prescription drug is dangerous, and mixing alcohol with blood thinners decreases the effectiveness of this drug.
How we reviewed this article:
The above review noted that low to moderate alcohol consumption can decrease platelet activation and aggregation, meaning it may reduce blood clotting in a similar way to blood thinning medications. Sometimes, however, a blood clot can appear in an artery that supplies your heart or brain with oxygen-rich blood. When a clot blocks blood flow to your heart, it can cause a heart attack. If it blocks the blood flow to your brain, it can cause a stroke.
- People can speak to their doctor if they think they or someone they know may have AUD.
- He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.
- Moderate alcohol use is generally safe while taking most blood thinners.
- Two key factors affected by alcohol consumption are platelets and blood vessels.
- Blood clots in thickened arteries or veins are often what contributes to heart attacks and strokes.
- Drinking too much and too often can cause a plethora of negative health consequences.
- Alcohol addiction can have serious consequences on both physical and mental health.
Alcohol’s Impact on Platelets
Although usually helpful, sometimes our blood will clot Substance abuse when it is not needed, which can lead to dangerous outcomes. Alcohol has been found to increase platelet aggregation, meaning that platelets are more likely to stick together and form clots. This effect can potentially lead to an increased risk of blood clots, which can be dangerous if they travel to vital organs such as the heart or brain.