Anticoagulants Before a Planned Procedure: International Heart Care Center Communication Preparation Checklist

If you are taking anticoagulants and also planning to undergo surgery, puncture, endoscopy, dental treatment, or another invasive procedure, medication arrangements need to be confirmed by the relevant medical teams based on your specific situation. This article provides communication and documentation methods to help you organize information before the procedure, and does not replace a doctor's diagnosis, prescription, or individualized advice.

Why different procedures require separate assessment of bleeding and clotting risks

The location, method, and expected bleeding of invasive procedures are not the same, and patients' reasons for using anticoagulants and personal health conditions also vary. Therefore, even if the drug name is the same, arrangements for different patients or different procedures cannot be simply copied.

The procedure team needs to know what medications you are using, and the prescribing doctor also needs to know the proposed procedure. Only after both parties jointly assess can a plan suitable for this procedure be formed. Evidence and general processes cannot cover all individual situations, and the final arrangement should be based on written instructions given by the professionals involved in your care.

First list the anticoagulant name, usage, and reason for prescription

Do not just write "anticoagulant" or describe it by pill color. You can organize the following information based on the medication box, prescription, or medication record:

• Full name of the medication

• Dosage per administration and number of times per day

• Specific time you usually take the medication

• Date and time of the last dose

• Reason for prescription

• Prescribing doctor and contact information

• Whether you are also using other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements

• Known drug allergies and past adverse drug reactions

If the name or dosage cannot be confirmed, bring the medication box, prescription photo, or existing medication list for medical personnel to check; do not guess on your own.

Write the procedure date and all relevant medical teams on one page

On the same page, record the name of the proposed procedure, date, location, and responsible team, and list the anticoagulant prescriber, procedure team, and other medical personnel involved. If the date is not yet determined, also note "to be confirmed."

It is recommended to record the date, contact person, the team they belong to, and the content of each communication. If there is ambiguity in verbal instructions, request a written plan or ask for confirmation. If different teams give inconsistent instructions, do not choose one on your own; clearly inform both parties and ask them to coordinate.

What questions to confirm separately with the prescribing doctor and the procedure team

You can confirm with the prescribing doctor:

• Do they already know the procedure name and expected date?

• Do you need to continue, adjust, or suspend the anticoagulant before this procedure?

• If adjustment is needed, from which dose exactly should it be implemented?

• Are additional tests or other arrangements needed?

• Who will decide the timing and usage of resuming the medication after the procedure?

You can confirm with the procedure team:

• Have they received a complete medication list and the reason for prescription?

• How will the anticoagulant and other medications be managed on the day of the procedure?

• Are there any preparation requirements regarding eating, drinking, or tests?

• If the procedure is postponed or canceled, how will the medication plan be reconfirmed?

• What written instructions will be provided upon discharge or before leaving the procedure site?

These questions facilitate communication and do not imply that any answer applies to everyone.

Use a two-column table to record written instructions for continuing, adjusting, or resuming medication

Only fill in the plan after the medical team gives clear instructions. Do not pre-fill the stopping time or resumption dosage based on this article.

After receiving instructions, repeat your understanding back to the medical staff and ask them to confirm. Keep the latest version and let family members or caregivers know where the list is kept. If the plan is later changed, mark the update time to avoid continuing to use old instructions.

Which bleeding or discomfort symptoms require prompt help

Before or after the procedure, if you experience persistent or significant bleeding, bleeding that is difficult to stop, or sudden severe discomfort, promptly contact the procedure team, prescribing doctor, or other professional medical personnel. If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or you believe they may be life-threatening, immediately contact local emergency services.

The manifestations of dangerous conditions may vary depending on the type of procedure, bleeding site, and personal condition. Before leaving the medical facility, ask about warning signs specific to this procedure, observation time frame, emergency contact information, and when to seek nearby medical care.

Why you cannot stop or change medication on your own based on general articles

Anticoagulant use is related to bleeding risk, but stopping, reducing, increasing, or changing the timing of medication on your own may also bring risks. The specific trade-off depends on the reason for prescription, the proposed procedure, personal health conditions, and other information the medical team has; general articles cannot make such individualized judgments.

Therefore, do not change medication based on online articles, others' experiences, or old procedure plans, and do not substitute other drugs. If you miss a dose, take it incorrectly, or do not follow the original plan, tell the medical team truthfully and ask for next instructions; do not try to remedy it by doubling the dose or similar methods.

Complete a shareable pre-procedure medication checklist today

Today you can complete the following preparations:

• Verify the name, dosage, frequency, and time of last dose of the anticoagulant

• Write down the reason for prescription and the prescribing doctor's contact information

• Record the procedure name, date, location, and procedure team

• Compile other medications, supplements, allergies, and past adverse reactions

• List each question that needs to be confirmed by both parties

• Leave space to record written instructions for continuing, adjusting, and resuming medication

• Share the latest checklist with relevant medical teams and family members involved in care

The purpose of this checklist is to reduce omissions and help different teams exchange information; it is not for self-formulating a treatment plan. When the procedure date, physical condition, or medication changes, the plan should be reconfirmed. The Chinese original and subsequent translations must be manually reviewed before submission to the backend or publication.