- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Martha Grogan, M.D.
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Martha Grogan, M.D.
Martha Grogan, M.D.
Dr. Martha Grogan is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. She is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and received her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Grogan has been on staff at Mayo Clinic since 1995 and is a consultant in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
Dr. Grogan is a noninvasive cardiologist specializing in heart failure, adult congenital heart disease and echocardiography. She has witnessed firsthand the importance of patient education in the treatment of diseases such as congestive heart failure and is excited about the tremendous educational opportunities now available through the Internet.
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Question
Blood thinners: Can I still get blood clots?
If you're taking a blood thinner, is it still possible for you to get a blood clot?
Answer
from Martha Grogan, M.D.
Yes. Blood thinners — such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin — decrease your risk of blood clotting. But these medications must be taken exactly as directed to work safely and effectively. Taking too little of these drugs may not be effective, and taking too much can lead to serious bleeding. Regular blood tests may be required to make sure you're getting the correct dose.
Also, in some cases, blood thinners may not be able to lessen the strong blood-clotting tendency of an underlying disease, such as cancer. Blood thinners may also be ineffective if you drink too much alcohol. So, clots may still form.
If you take a blood thinner, be sure to follow your doctor's advice on dosing and ask about foods and other medications — including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements — that may interfere with the blood thinner.
- Harvey RA, et al. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:242.
- Hirsch J, et al. American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation guide to warfarin therapy. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2003;41:1633.
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