Anticoagulant Pathways

Anticoagulant pathways are the body's natural mechanisms to prevent excessive blood clotting during hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding. When a blood vessel is injured, the body activates clotting factors to form a clot. Anticoagulants, like proteins and enzymes, balance this process by inhibiting clot formation and ensuring that clots do not grow too large or form inappropriately. This balance is crucial; if anticoagulant pathways are disrupted, it can lead to thrombosis, where unwanted clots block blood flow, potentially causing serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes.