A COMMON prescription drug has been linked to lower rates of heart attack and stroke – with no increased risk of major bleeding, say scientists.
Low-dose aspirin is recommended by the NHS to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people who are at high risk of them.
Because aspirin helps to stop your blood from clotting, it can sometimes make you bleed more easily.
For example, you may get nosebleeds and bruise more easily, and if you cut yourself, the bleeding may take longer than normal to stop.
Now, a study published by The BMJ supports the use of P2Y12 therapy instead of aspirin for long term prevention.
Giving the anti-clotting drug to patients with coronary artery disease was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke compared with traditional aspirin, with no increased risk of major bleeding.
P2Y12 inhibitors are usually given to patients alongside aspirin after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) – a procedure to widen or unblock a coronary artery to help prevent cardiovascular events.
After several months, patients are usually switched from dual therapy (both drugs) to lifelong aspirin, but some trials have suggested a P2Y12 inhibitor may be more effective for long term prevention than aspirin.
So in the new study, researchers analysed individual patient data from five randomised clinical trials involving 16,117 patients who were assigned to either a P2Y12 inhibitor or aspirin after completing dual therapy.
When they were followed up four years later, P2Y12 inhibitor therapy was associated with a 23 per cent lower risk of an outcome that combined cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke, compared with aspirin – with no significance different in major bleeding.
When considering outcomes individually, P2Y12 inhibitor therapy reduced heart attacks and stroke compared with aspirin.
The researchers said: “Overall, this study supports preferential P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy prescription over aspirin due to reductions in major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events without increasing major bleeding in the medium term.”
But, they note “medium term efficacy does not necessarily extend lifelong, which is the duration we advise patients to continue these medications”.
To prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients with coronary artery disease, it’s crucial to make lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, so quitting is recommended.
People should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week and choose a diet low in saturated and trans fats, high in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in salt.
If you drink alcohol, you should do so in moderation.
And practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or yoga, and find healthy ways to copy with stress.
Seeing your doctor regularly for screenings and to monitor your heart health.
And making sure you get enough sleep (seven to nine hours per night) is important.
Various symptoms and warning signs can indicate heart disease, and being aware of them can help in early detection and treatment…
11 signs you might have heart disease
AROUND 7.6million people in the UK live with heart and circulatory diseases. Are you one of them?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is time to see a doctor.
- Chest pain
- Feeling sick
- Stomach pain or indigestion
- Feeling sweaty or clammy
- Leg pain
- Arm pain
- Jaw or back pain
- Choking sensation
- Swollen ankles
- Extreme fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
Source: British Heart Foundation
