A new study warns that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen alongside blood thinners doubles the risk of dangerous internal bleeding. The research, conducted on nearly 52,000 Danish patients, found increased bleeding risks in the gut, brain, lungs, and bladder, with specific risks varying by NSAID type. The study emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor before combining these medications, as NSAIDs are widely used and often available over-the-counter.
A new study suggests that heart attack survivors who have received a stent may benefit from stopping low-dose aspirin a month after the procedure, as it reduces the risk of major and minor bleeding by more than 50% without increasing the likelihood of adverse artery-blocking events. The study, presented at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting and published in The Lancet, tracked outcomes for over 3,400 heart patients and found that stopping aspirin early did not raise the risk of cardiovascular events. The lead author suggests that it may be time to change guidelines and standard clinical practice to no longer treat most heart attack patients with dual antiplatelet therapy for more than a month after stent placement.
Despite updated guidelines advising against it, about 1 in 4 older adults still take low-dose aspirin at least three times a week in hopes of preventing heart attacks and strokes, with nearly three in five of them not having a history of heart disease. National guidelines for aspirin use have evolved due to the drug's risk of dangerous bleeding, now mostly focusing on those with heart health problems or high risk due to personal or family health history. Experts emphasize the importance of discussing aspirin use with a healthcare provider to assess individual cardiovascular risk factors and make informed decisions.
Anthos Therapeutics' investigational anticoagulant has shown promising results in a mid-stage safety study, significantly reducing the risk of bleeding compared to Xarelto. This new class of anticoagulants aims to provide patients with a safer option for preventing stroke and blood clots, addressing one of the major concerns associated with current blood thinners.
A new study published in Circulation suggests that long-term aspirin treatment may be ineffective and potentially harmful for some high-risk cardiovascular patients with stents. The study found that stopping aspirin after three months was just as effective in preventing clotting complications, while significantly reducing the risk of severe bleeding. The results challenge the assumption that aspirin is beneficial for patients with heart problems or stents. Experts believe this finding could lead to a new standard of care for high-risk cardiac patients, although aspirin remains an important treatment for heart attacks. Further research is needed to simplify medication plans and improve patient outcomes.
Taking aspirin daily as a preventive measure for heart attacks and strokes may do more harm than good for certain individuals, according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force. While aspirin can help prevent clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attacks, it also increases the likelihood of severe bleeding. The task force recommends that individuals aged 60 and older, without a history of cardiovascular disease, should not take aspirin as a primary preventive measure due to the increased bleeding risk. However, for those with a history of heart attack or stroke, aspirin is still recommended. It is important for individuals to consult with their doctors to assess the risks and benefits of aspirin therapy, as lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can also have a significant impact on preventing heart attacks.
The FRAIL-AF trial presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress revealed unexpected results, showing that switching frail, elderly patients with atrial fibrillation from vitamin K antagonists (VKA) to direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC) increased the risk of major bleeding. The trial emphasized the challenge of translating evidence from nonfrail patients to frail patients and highlighted the importance of considering individual patient characteristics when applying trial results. The study's findings underscored the need for caution in applying evidence from younger, healthier patients to older, more vulnerable patients and emphasized the value of humility in evidence-based medicine.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Michigan have developed a new compound, MPI 8, that targets just one clotting pathway to prevent thrombosis, without increasing the risk of bleeding or toxicity. Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, can prevent clotting altogether, resulting in excessive external or internal bleeding. MPI 8 targets polyphosphate, a molecule involved in blood clotting, and has been found effective at preventing blood clots without toxicity or an increase in the risk of bleeding in mice. The researchers hope to move next to trials with larger animals and eventually humans.
