Many individuals taking blood thinners report feeling cold. While this is a common concern, blood thinners themselves do not directly cause a drop in body temperature. Instead, this perception often arises from indirect factors related to the medication, underlying health conditions, or other influences.
How Blood Thinners Work
Blood thinners, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets, are medications designed to reduce the risk of blood clots. These medications do not actually make the blood thinner in terms of its viscosity, but rather interfere with the complex process of blood clotting. Blood clots are crucial for stopping bleeding from injuries, but they can become dangerous if they form improperly or in the wrong place, potentially leading to serious conditions like strokes, heart attacks, or pulmonary embolisms.
Anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and apixaban (Eliquis), work by targeting specific proteins or factors involved in the clotting cascade. For instance, Warfarin blocks the action of vitamin K. Antiplatelet medications, including aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent platelets—small blood cells involved in clotting—from clumping together. Both types of blood thinners reduce the body’s ability to form clots, promoting smoother blood flow.
Connecting Blood Thinners and Feeling Cold
Several indirect factors can contribute to a sensation of coldness. One significant factor is the increased risk of bleeding, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Anemia reduces the number of healthy red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, often resulting in symptoms like cold hands and feet, fatigue, and paleness. This diminished oxygen-carrying capacity can make a person feel cold more easily.
Many individuals prescribed blood thinners have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, circulatory issues, or other health problems that can independently cause cold sensations. For example, conditions such as hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud’s phenomenon can impair the body’s temperature regulation or reduce blood flow to the extremities, leading to persistent coldness. The blood thinner addresses a specific clotting risk, but the underlying condition might continue to contribute to feeling cold.
Other medications taken concurrently can also have side effects that include feeling cold or interfering with temperature regulation. Some, like beta-blockers, are known to cause cold extremities. Additionally, environmental factors such as cold weather, inadequate clothing, or low body fat can influence how cold a person feels.
Addressing Persistent Cold Sensations
Several self-management strategies can help address persistent cold sensations. Monitor for signs of bleeding, as this can indicate anemia. Look for unusual bruising, prolonged nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or changes in stool or urine color. If anemia is suspected, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.
Practical measures can help maintain warmth. Dress in layers, use warm blankets, and keep your living environment at a comfortable temperature. Staying well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet also supports overall health and can improve circulation. Gentle and regular exercise, if medically appropriate, can improve blood flow, which may alleviate cold sensations.
Review all medications with a doctor or pharmacist, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as some can interact with blood thinners or contribute to feeling cold. Never adjust the dosage of blood thinners or stop taking them without explicit medical advice. Healthcare providers can assess for potential interactions or side effects and recommend suitable adjustments or alternative strategies.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if cold sensations are new, worsening, or severe. This is particularly important if the coldness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or unexplained pain. These additional symptoms could indicate a more significant issue.
Seek medical attention immediately if there are signs of internal bleeding, such as severe headache, sudden vision changes, numbness, or blood in vomit or stool. Any concerns about the effectiveness or side effects of blood thinner medication warrant a discussion with a doctor. A healthcare professional can evaluate if an underlying medical condition is contributing to the coldness or if medication adjustments are necessary.