At the moment of a heart attack, the key drug to reduce blood viscosity is undoubtedly heparin. This therapeutic drug, known for its anti-clotting properties, is an important ingredient in emergency treatment of cardiac arrest, giving patients hope for survival.
Heparin, often used in its unfractionated (UFH) form, is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan that is primarily manufactured by mast cells and basal cells in the body. As early as 1916, scientists began to explore the properties of heparin. Since then, the use of heparin has become an irreplaceable option in the treatment of heart attacks or unstable angina.
Studies have shown that heparin can quickly reduce the risk of clots in the blood, which is particularly critical in treating heart disease patients.
Heart attacks are often caused by blood clots forming in the coronary arteries. Heparin effectively inhibits clot formation in the blood by enhancing the activity of antithrombin. Specifically, heparin binds to antithrombin and stimulates it to more effectively inhibit the activity of thrombin and factor Xa, thereby establishing an anticoagulant environment in the patient's body.
Heparin can be given to patients either intravenously or subcutaneously, and is particularly rapid and effective in emergency situations. Its anticoagulant properties not only prevent further blood clots from forming, but also help reduce the burden on the heart, giving patients more life.
In studies conducted during the epidemic, heparin has also been shown to be effective in combating immune thrombosis caused by COVID-19.
However, although heparin plays an important role in treating heart attacks, its potential side effects require medical staff to use it with caution. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, bleeding, and low platelets, and patients need to be closely observed during use. UFH is more commonly used than lower molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in certain settings such as dialysis or cardiac surgery because the dose can be adjusted rapidly, but it is also associated with a higher risk of complications.
In the medical community, there has been a lot of research in recent years on the relationship between heart disease and heparin. These studies suggest that in addition to its direct anticoagulant effect, the use of heparin can also improve other aspects of heart health, such as reducing cardiac inflammation and promoting cardiac recovery.
With the in-depth study of the characteristics and efficacy of heparin, new therapies and strategies are gradually emerging. Experts are also exploring how to maximize the potential of heparin to address various heart-related conditions.
Heparin is not just a drug; it represents an essential strategy in the fight against heart attacks.
In the global emergency medical system, the therapeutic effects and risks of heparin are equally widely concerned. Through continuous clinical trials and data collection, the medical community hopes to find better treatment options to increase the chances of survival for heart disease patients. In this uncertain time, we have to ask ourselves, are there other more effective ways to address this health challenge facing all of humanity?