16017 Heparin Infusion

Overview

This article explains treatment with a blood-thinning medicine given slowly through a small tube into a vein. This is called an infusion. A blood thinner does not really make blood thin. It makes harmful blood clots less likely to form or grow. A clot is a gel-like plug that can block blood flow. This treatment is usually given in hospital because your care team needs to watch you closely.

Yes. This type of treatment is common in hospitals. Blood clots are a common reason people need it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Bruising more easily than usual
• Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
• Nosebleeds
• Small amounts of blood in urine or stool
• Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg or arm
• Shortness of breath or chest pain, which may be a sign of a clot in the lung

Symptoms in children

• Unexplained crying or irritability
• New bruising or swelling
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Blood in urine or stool
• Headache, vomiting, or unusual sleepiness
• Pale skin, dizziness, or weakness

Symptoms in older adults

• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Confusion or new dizziness
• Falls or unsteadiness
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Blood in urine or stool
• Weakness or shortness of breath

Causes

Main causes

• A blood clot in a leg or arm, called a deep vein clot
• A blood clot in the lung, called a pulmonary embolism
• Heart problems such as a heart attack or an irregular heartbeat
• Some strokes caused by a clot
• Surgery or procedures that raise the risk of clots
• Long periods of bed rest or limited movement
• Cancer and some cancer treatments
• Pregnancy and the weeks after birth

Risk factors

• Older age
• Previous blood clot or family history of clots
• Recent surgery or injury
• Long travel or bed rest
• Cancer
• Pregnancy or use of hormone medicines
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Heart failure or an irregular heartbeat
• Some inherited clotting problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have any bleeding that worries you or does not stop
• You have a new nosebleed, bleeding gums, or blood in urine or stool
• You feel dizzy, faint, or have a new severe headache
• You have chest pain, trouble breathing, or a swollen painful leg
• You miss a dose or the IV line stops working

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have questions about your treatment or blood test results
• You need advice about other medicines, supplements, or alcohol
• You are planning travel, surgery, or dental work
• You feel anxious or overwhelmed and want to talk to your care team

Diagnosis

This is a treatment, not a condition that is diagnosed. Your care team decides whether you need it after asking about your symptoms, examining you, and reviewing test results. The decision is based on your risk of harmful clots and your risk of bleeding.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check how quickly your blood clots
• A full blood count to check blood cells and platelets
• Tests of kidney and liver function
• Ultrasound of a leg or arm to look for a clot
• CT scan or other imaging to look for a clot in the lung
• Heart tracing, called an ECG, if a heart problem is suspected
• Pregnancy test when relevant

What to expect at your appointment

You will have an IV line placed in a vein. A pump may control the medicine. You will have blood tests at set times, especially early in treatment. Tell your care team right away about any bleeding, new pain, or trouble breathing. You may need to stay in hospital while the treatment is adjusted.

Treatment

The treatment is a blood-thinning medicine given through an IV line. It helps stop harmful clots from growing and helps prevent new ones. Your care team adjusts the treatment based on blood tests and watches for bleeding. You may also need other care for the clot or the condition that caused it.

Self-care at home

• Tell your care team about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take.
• Do not take new medicines or stop any medicine without asking your care team.
• Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor to lower bleeding risk.
• Avoid contact sports and activities where you could fall or be hit.
• Tell staff right away if you see bleeding, bruising, or blood in urine or stool.
• Keep follow-up appointments and blood tests.

Medical treatments

The main treatment is a blood-thinning medicine given into a vein. It does not dissolve a clot that is already there. It helps stop the clot from getting bigger and helps prevent new clots. Your body's own clot-breaking system and other treatments may help over time. Your team will check blood tests often and may use compression stockings, pain relief, or procedures if needed. Always ask your care team before changing any medicine.

When is surgery considered?

Some people need a procedure to remove or stabilise a clot, or to place a filter in a large vein. Your care team will discuss this if it applies to you.

Living with this condition

During treatment you will usually be in hospital so your care team can watch you. You may need repeated blood tests. After you go home, follow your care plan, keep appointments, and tell your doctor about any bleeding or new symptoms. Do not change medicines on your own.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid activities that could cause injury or falls.
• Use soft dental care and avoid rough contact sports.
• Ask your care team about alcohol and supplements.
• Move as advised. Walking can help circulation, but follow your team's advice.
• Tell every healthcare professional that you are having or have had this treatment.

Diet and exercise

Eat a normal, balanced diet unless your care team gives other advice. Ask about alcohol and vitamin supplements because some can affect bleeding or clotting. Gentle walking is often helpful, but follow your team's advice about how much activity is safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A blood clot and hospital treatment can feel scary. It is common to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Talk to your care team about your worries. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact local crisis support or emergency services right away.

Prevention

Not all blood clots can be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Stay active when you can, follow advice after surgery, use compression stockings if prescribed, and take medicines exactly as directed. This treatment itself is part of preventing or treating dangerous clots.

Vaccines

Vaccines are not directly related to this treatment. Keep up with routine vaccines and ask your care team if you have questions.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for this treatment. Blood tests are used to monitor safety while you receive it.

Complications

If left untreated

• A clot can grow and block more blood flow.
• A clot can travel to the lungs and become life-threatening.
• A leg clot can cause long-term swelling, pain, or skin changes.
• Some clots can damage organs or cause stroke or heart problems.

Long-term outlook

With careful monitoring and treatment, most people do well. Bleeding is the main risk, and your care team watches for it closely. Many people recover fully, though some need follow-up care. Ask your team about your own situation and what to expect.

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