Anticoagulant Clinic

The Anticoagulant Clinic at Bangkok Heart Hospital focuses on the diagnosis and management of thrombosis and embolism, as well as the appropriate use of anticoagulation therapy. Our specialized team, consisting of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, provides comprehensive care for patients requiring short-term or long-term anticoagulation therapy. 

Thrombosis refers to the formation of blood clots, which can block the flow of blood through veins or arteries. While thrombosis can help stop bleeding and promote healing, pathological clot formation can pose significant health risks. Embolism occurs when a clot breaks off and travels to other parts of the body, potentially causing life-threatening complications. 

Thrombosis and embolism can occur due to various factors, including the nature of blood flow, the quality of the vessel wall (endothelial cell injury), the composition of the blood (hypercoagulability), and the type of thrombosis (venous or arterial). Conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and heart valve thrombosis are associated with thrombosis and embolism. 

Risk factors for thrombosis include age over 60, previous blood clots, hormone therapy, cancer or cancer treatment, atrial fibrillation, immobilization, presence of foreign bodies in the heart or blood vessels, and certain medical conditions that increase the tendency for blood clot formation. 

The management of thrombosis and embolism involves both prophylaxis (prevention) and treatment. Prophylactic measures include pharmacological interventions with anticoagulants such as heparin, factor Xa inhibitors, thrombin inhibitors, and vitamin antagonists, as well as non-pharmacological approaches like early mobilization and mechanical techniques to improve blood circulation. Treatment options include pharmacological interventions similar to prophylaxis and non-pharmacological interventions such as embolectomy. 

At Bangkok Heart Hospital Anticoagulant Clinic, we offer consultation for the diagnosis and management of thrombosis and anticoagulation treatment. We enroll patients into our clinic for short-term or long-term management, ensuring proper use of anticoagulation therapy and managing any complications that may arise. Our specialized team, consisting of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, follows evidence-based practices, utilizes computer-assisted programs, and provides extensive patient and family education to ensure improved patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. 

For patients on warfarin (VKA) therapy, we offer INR management through our specialized team. We utilize protocols, nomograms, and current evidence-based practices to monitor and manage INR levels accurately. We also provide extensive patient education to improve patient understanding and compliance with anticoagulation therapy. 

INR testing can be done through standard venipuncture at the hospital or clinic, or through capillary fingertip Point Of Care Testing (POCT) or Patient Self Test (PST) for home use. Patient selection for PST is crucial, and patients must have a long-term indication for anticoagulation therapy, be willing and able to perform self-management, record results accurately, and attend regular clinics for quality assurance. 

The Anticoagulant Clinic at Bangkok Heart Hospital has achieved an excellent Time In Therapeutic Range (TTR) of 65.8%, surpassing the Thailand average of 40%. This indicates our commitment to providing high-quality anticoagulation management and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. 

We strive to deliver personalized care, improve patient safety, and enhance patient convenience throughout the course of anticoagulation therapy. 

The Anticoagulant Clinic at Bangkok Heart Hospital specializes in diagnosing and managing thrombosis and embolism through comprehensive anticoagulation therapy. The clinic's team ensures optimal patient outcomes with INR management, education, and a TTR of 65.8%, surpassing the national average.