MEDICAL INSIDER
DR BRYAN CEPEDOZA
FOR JUNE 4, 2023
A Question & Answer Session
with Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
regarding the new COVID-19 variant
(Part 3)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): You told us, Dr. Bryan
Cebedoza, that it is necessary that we protect from
Covid those who have hypertension, diabetes, heart
diseases, etc., because these are the people who are
easily infected with the virus. You also said, that those
with comorbidities and those who are
immunocompromised should take extra care so they will
not be infected with the virus.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza (DBC): Yes, that’s what I
emphasized.
TBT: I know of the case of a senior citizen who is
admitted for covid infection right now. The diagnosis of
the doctor says that the patient has some blood clots.
Why is that so, Dr. Bryan?
DBC: Yes, that happens. Our blood sometimes
becomes viscous. This is what we call in the dialect as
LAPOT NGA DUGO. There are some patients are
suffering from this condition, so we have to prescribe
blood thinners. The LAPOT NGA DUGO would
sometimes result into a blood clot. This could also lead
to stroke, heart attack, etc.
TBT: Once you start taking blook thinners, are you
going to take these for life?
DBC: There are some indications that will tell us that we are
already supposed to take blood thinners. For example, if you
are a patient who is suffering from a heart disease, there is a
need for you to take blood thinners. Blood thinners are
prescribed for people who have an increased risk of heart
attack or stroke or an irregular rhythm, heart or blood vessel
disease, deep vein thrombosis or prior heart attack or stroke,
TBT: Why do doctors prescribe blood thinners?
DBC: Doctors prescribe blood thinners to prevent blood
clots which can put you at risk for a heart attack and
other serious medical problems. A blood thinner is a
kind of drug called an anticoagulant.
TBT: How do you feel, Dr. Bryan, when your blood is
too thin? What are some of the symptoms?
DBC: Some of the symptoms of thin blood include: slow
wound clotting; Bleeding gums; Nosebleeds; Blood in
the stools; Heavy menstrual flow without clots.
TBT: What happens if a person who is supposed to
take a blood thinner, does not take the medication?
DBC: If the indication is very strong, which means that
a person is suffering from serious health problems, I
strongly advise that the person don’t miss the
medication. This could be life threatening because
stopping thinners can cause clots to form in the blood
again. Let us go back to the question, whether or not,
we are going to take blood thinners for life. I would say it
depends on the cause why one is taking blood thinners.
If the cause is due to an irregular heart beat and the
irregularity has turned into being regular, then, it is now okay
not to continue with your blood thinner. But if the heartbeat
continues to be irregular, we have to take the blood thinner for
life. (To be continued)