Anticoagulants, commonly referred to as blood thinners, are medications that help prevent the formation of blood clots. These clots can obstruct blood flow, leading to serious health issues such as strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms. Anticoagulants work by interfering with the body’s natural clotting process, ensuring that blood flows smoothly through the veins and arteries.There are several types of anticoagulants, each working at different stages of the clotting process. The most well-known anticoagulant is warfarin, which inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Newer anticoagulants, known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), include drugs like rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran. These DOACs target specific proteins involved in clot formation and are often preferred due to their predictable effects and fewer dietary restrictions compared to warfarin.Anticoagulants are prescribed for various conditions. Patients with atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, are often given anticoagulants to reduce the risk of stroke. They are also used in the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, conditions where blood clots form in the veins of the legs or lungs. Additionally, anticoagulants are crucial for patients who have undergone surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements, to prevent post-operative clot formation.