Do blood thinners improve performance at high altitude?

Question

Do medications like Coumadin offer an advantage when competing in sporting events at high altitudes?

Answer 1

Don't know if this helps but this is what i found about Coumadin: Coumadin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It reduces the formation of blood clots. It works by blocking the synthesis of certain clotting factors. Without these clotting factors, blood clots are unable to form. Coumadin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, & blood clots in veins & arteries.

Before taking Coumadin: Do not take this medicine if you have:

a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;

a blood cell disorder such as anemia;

a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the stomach;

a history of aneurysm, blood clot, or bleeding in your brain; or

an infection of your heart, fluid or swelling around your heart.

What to avoid while taking Coumadin: You should not take acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) unless your doctor has told you to. NSAIDs include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), & others. These medicines may affect blood clotting & could cause serious bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Avoid sudden changes in your diet. Vitamin K decreases the effects of Coumadin. Large amounts of vitamin K are found in foods such as liver, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, Swiss chard, coriander, collards, cabbage, & other green leafy vegetables. Do not change the amount of these foods in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Avoid eating cranberries, drinking cranberry juice, or taking cranberry herbal products. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of this medication. Avoid sports or activities that could result in a bruising or bleeding injury. Use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing your teeth or shaving. Info here: http://www.drugs.com/coumadin.html

Also here: http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/acc...

Hope this is useful & what you are looking for.

Answer 2

I researched Coumadin on www.wikipedia.org but I really didn't find an appropriate answer to your question.  I suggest doing some research.