Heparin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💉
heparin
[ˈhɛpərɪn ]
Definition
medical usage
Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots. It is commonly used in the treatment and prevention of various blood clotting disorders. Heparin works by inhibiting certain factors in the blood's clotting mechanism, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation.
Synonyms
anticoagulant, blood thinner.
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed heparin for the patient after surgery.
- Patients on heparin therapy need regular monitoring of their blood coagulation levels.
- Heparin is often administered intravenously in hospital settings.
- Adjustments to heparin dosage are made based on the patient's response.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medical Significance
- Heparin is widely used in hospitals to prevent and treat blood clots, especially during surgeries.
- It is crucial for patients with certain heart and circulatory conditions to maintain healthy blood flow.
Historical Use
- Heparin has been used in medicine for over a century, making it one of the first anticoagulant drugs.
- Before the discovery of heparin, doctors had limited options for preventing clotting in patients at risk.
Chemical Properties
- Heparin is a type of carbohydrate known as a glycosaminoglycan, which is essential for regulating blood pressure and heart function.
- It works by binding to a protein called antithrombin III, enhancing its ability to prevent blood clotting.
Cultural References
- Heparin's importance has been recognized in various medical dramas on TV, highlighting its role in saving lives.
- Awareness campaigns often highlight heparin's role in surgeries and its life-saving capabilities.
Origin of 'heparin'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'heparin' comes from the Greek word 'hepar,' which means liver, because it was originally found in liver tissues.
- Heparin was first discovered in 1916 by a scientist named Jay McLean.
The word 'heparin' is derived from the Greek word 'hepar', which means 'liver'. Its name acknowledges the substance's original discovery in the liver tissue, where it was first isolated in the early 20th century. The term was introduced in 1916 by Jay McLean, who extracted it from animal tissues for the purpose of reducing blood coagulation. Since then, heparin has been widely used in clinical medicine, proving to be essential in procedures requiring anticoagulation, such as surgeries and various cardiovascular interventions. Modern heparin is typically derived from pig intestines or bovine lungs, ensuring consistent results in therapeutic applications. Over the years, its use has expanded as research has unveiled its mechanisms and benefits, leading to the development of low molecular weight heparins, which offer improved safety and efficacy.