Category: Thrombosis

Oral anticoagulation significantly reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation compared with antiplatelet therapy, highlighting the critical decision of when to use antiplatelet vs anticoagulant. This choice depends on the specific type of blood clot and the patient's underlying condition, requiring a careful balancing of benefits and risks.

Cardiovascular disease, which is often caused by blood clots, remains a leading cause of death globally. However, contrary to a common misconception, taking aspirin will not help dissolve a blood clot that has already formed. Instead, it works as a preventive measure by making blood platelets less likely to stick together and create new clots.

Approximately 5% of patients who take heparin for more than four days can develop the life-threatening complication known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). This condition is the most serious complication of heparin and presents a dangerous paradox, as the blood thinner causes new and excessive blood clots instead of preventing them.

Estimates suggest that as many as 900,000 people in the U.S. may be affected by blood clots annually [1.4.4]. For those on medication, this raises a critical question: what pill has the lowest risk of blood clots?