Heparin

Question 1

Heparin : Introduction

Answer 1

Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant that inhibits the clotting of blood by enhancing the rate at which antithombin III neutralises thrombin and activated factor X.

Question 2

Heparin: Indication

Answer 2

Patients with STEMI going directly to Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory as per receiving hospital 12-lead ECG interpretation.

Question 3

Heparin: Contraindications

Answer 3

Hypersensitivity to Heparin

Active bleeding (excluding menses) or disease states with increased risk of bleeding (haemophilia)

Question 4

Heparin: Considerations

Answer 4

Haemorrhage

Hyperkalaemia

Thrombocytopenia