Blood thinner could be more effective than common drug at preventing heart attacks
Why some heart disease patients may now be given blood thinner clopidogrel
- A new study indicates that the blood thinner clopidogrel may offer superior protection against heart attacks and strokes compared to aspirin for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
- The research found that clopidogrel did not increase the risk of major bleeding, a serious and common side effect associated with blood thinners.
- Published in The Lancet, the study analysed seven clinical trials involving nearly 29,000 patients, revealing a 14 per cent lower risk of major cardiovascular events for those on clopidogrel.
- Researchers suggest a preference for clopidogrel over aspirin for chronic antiplatelet monotherapy in stable CAD patients, citing its effectiveness, widespread availability, and affordability.
- Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Foundation noted that these findings are likely to impact the medications doctors prescribe to reduce the risk of future heart problems.