Health News
Aspirin for the Heart: Go Uncoated
Taking low-dose aspirin daily has been touted for years to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some people show resistance to this therapy in blood tests, but why?
FDA Approves Eliquis for Atrial Fibrillation Patients
The US Food and Drug Administration today approved the anti-clotting drug Eliquis ( apixaban ), an oral tablet used to reduce the risk of stroke and dangerous blood clots (systemic embolism) in patients with atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a heart valve problem.
An Aspirin a Day After Blood Clots
A common treatment after having a blood clot is taking blood thinner medication. But many doctors will eventually take patients off medication when it's no longer necessary. Then what?
When the Body Turns on Itself
Some people's immune systems produce antibodies that fight parts of their own bodies. These aren’t always a big deal. But sometimes they can contribute to stroke or miscarriage risk.
No Change in Change-of-Life Hormone Warnings
A decade ago, when a woman reached menopause, she likely reached for hormone replacement therapy to calm the symptoms associated with the change in life. Then a large study called the Women's Health Initiative challenged that treatment.
Newer Blood Thinner Gaining Affirmation
Patients with atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia, have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke or blood clots. Warfarin (Coumadin) has long been the gold standard in treatment. That could be changing.
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.
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.