專業術語
Medicines that increase the time it takes for the blood to clot. This reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the blood vessels or heart and potentially developing serious medical conditions, such as a stroke or pulmonary embolism.1,2 Anticoagulants can also be used to treat patients already experiencing blood clots, such as those with venous thrombolembolism.2
1. NHS. Anticoagulant medicines. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anticoagulants/. Last accessed September 2021.
2. BHF. Watch: What are NOACs and what do they do in your body? Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/drug-cabinet/novel-anticoagulants. Last accessed September 2021.
A clump of blood caused by blood cells sticking together in the veins and arteries.3
3. Healthline. Blood Thinners for Heart Disease. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/blood-thinners. Last accessed September 2021.
The flow of blood around the body.4
4. Cambridge Dictionary. Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bloodstream. Last accessed September 2021.
Used to assess your general state of health, check for infections, see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are working, or screen for certain genetic conditions. A blood test usually involves taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm.5
5. NHS. Overview Blood tests. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-tests/. Last accessed September 2021.
Medicines that keep blood cells from sticking together in the veins and arteries, helping blood flow smoothly through the body. Anticoagulants are a type of blood thinner.3
3. Healthline. Blood Thinners for Heart Disease. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/blood-thinners. Last accessed September 2021.
Vessels, such as arteries and veins, that blood flows through in the body.6,7
6. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. Blood vessel. Available at: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/blood-vessel. Last accessed September 2021.
7. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Blood vessel. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/blood-vessel. Last accessed September 2021.
A common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. A fresh bruise might appear reddish and then turn blue or dark purple within the next few hours. People typically get bruises when they bump into or something bumps into them. Bruises are more common in the elderly and in those taking anticoagulants.8
8. WebMD. Bruises. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bruises-article. Last accessed October 2021.
The back of the lower part of the leg, below the knee.9
9. Medical definition of calf. Available at: https://www.medicinenet.com/calf/definition.htm. Last accessed September 2021.
A condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.10
10. NHS. Cancer. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/. Last accessed September 2021.
A lifelong condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed. This is one type of a condition called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).11
11. NHS. Crohn’s disease. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/. Last accessed September 2021.
In medicine, the clotting of blood or coagulation, is the process by which the blood clots to form solid masses or clots.12
12. Medical definition of coagulation. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/. Last accessed September 2021.
Drugs which are sometimes given through the vein to dissolve clots quickly. They can cause sudden and severe bleeding, so are usually reserved for serious situations. The terms ‘clot busters’, ‘dissolvers’ or ‘thrombolytics’ are often used to describe these medications.13-15
13. What is stroke? Available at: https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/diagnosis-to-discharge/treatment. Last accessed September 2021.
14. Pulmonary embolism. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354653. Last accessed September 2021.
15.Drugs.com. Thrombolytics. Available at: https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/thrombolytics.html. Last accessed September 2021.
Stockings that are designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling.16
16. NHS. How long should I wear compression stockings to improve my circulation. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-long-should-i-wear-compression-stockings-to-improve-my-circulation/. Last accessed September 2021.
Often referred to simply as ‘heart failure’, this is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood around the body.17
17. Healthline. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/congestive-heart-failure. Last accessed October 2021.