anticoagulation

The prevention or hindering of the coagulation of blood, esp. by an anticoagulant drug. anticoagulate (-kō-ag′yŭ-lāt″)

The administration of anticoagulant drugs to patients who have a high risk for venous thromboembolism, e.g., patients admitted to medical wards of hospitals or undergoing certain forms of surgery, esp. on the hips or knees.

CAUTION!

The practice reduces the likelihood of the formation of blood clots but increases the risk of bleeding.