What is heparin used for?
The drug is an anticoagulant, a naturally occurring one. It prevents the formation of blood clots, as well as stopping existing clots from extending. It does not break down existing blood clots. However, if a patient takes Heparin his/her natural clot lysis mechanism has a better chance of working normally and breaking down the clots. Heparin is commonly used for patients with acute coronary syndrome (e.g. myocardial infarction), atrial fibrillation, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), pulmonary embolism. Also patients undergoing heart surgery are commonly given Heparin.
