Health News

Nano Clot-Buster Targets Blockage
Clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator ( tPA ) is the only approved treatment for dissolving blood clots common during stroke, heart attacks or pulmonary embolisms.
FDA Delays Blood Thinner Eliquis Again
United States Food and Drug Administration officials today delayed approval of Eliquis ( apixaban ) to prevent stroke or systemic embolism in patients with a common heart arrhythmia for the second time.
Experimental Drug Drops Clot Risk
An investigational drug appears to offer significant improvements for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a recent trial found.
Procedure Doesn't Lower Pulmonary Embolism Mortality
Filters used to block blood clots from passing to the lungs and creating a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism can save patient lives. Yet a trio of new studies suggests they don't reduce the risk of dying. The vena cava filters may reduce the risk of mortality in patients considered "unstable" when they arrive at the hospital, however. Always ask about the benefits and risks of potential therapies. Paul Stein, MD, a lead researcher, professor in osteopathic medical specialties at Michigan State University and director of research at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, noted t...
Aspirin Cuts Blood Clot Risk
Following a blood clot patients commonly take warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent a recurrence. It may be just as safe and effective for those individuals to later switch to aspirin.
FDA Rejects Rivaroxaban for ACS
Following a close vote, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel has declined to recommend r ivaroxaban ( Xarelto ) to treat acute coronary syndrome.
Coronary Clot Aspiration Safe Long Term
After certain types of heart attacks, doctors often use stents to prop open the arteries. Another method that may be used involves removing blood clots through thrombus aspiration (TA), but studies have shown mixed long-term results.
Hearts Love Aspirin and Warfarin
Heart failure patients often take medication to lower their risk of stroke, hemorrhage or dying. A common choice is warfarin (Coumadin), though a large clinical trial has found that cheaper over-the-counter aspirin may be just as effective.
Risk High During Temporary Anticoagulant Halts
Patients with certain types of atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia, are at a high risk of stroke and blood clots if they temporarily stop their blood thinning medication before surgery or permanently because of side effects.
Even Outpatient Surgery Comes With Blood Clots
Hospitalized patients who undergo surgery aren't the only ones at risk of suffering a dangerous blood clot. Patients undergoing outpatient procedures also are at risk.