Blood thinning medications causing strokes

Blood thinning medications causing strokes

A new study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) has found that early anticoagulant treatment within four days of a stroke can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, which combined data from four clinical trials, including the British Heart Foundation-funded OPTIMAS study, found that early initiation of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is both safe and effective.

For patients with atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder that increases stroke risk fivefold, early treatment with anticoagulants after an initial stroke markedly lowers the chance of recurrent stroke. This early treatment contrasts with current UK guidelines that recommend waiting at least five days for moderate or severe stroke cases before starting anticoagulation.

The UCL study, which followed nearly 7,000 patients for almost 17 months, found that early anticoagulant treatment reduced the risk of another stroke due to blocked arteries or bleeding by about 30 percent, without increasing the risk of bleeding into the brain—a serious side effect of blood-thinning medications. These findings may lead to guideline changes encouraging earlier anticoagulant use after stroke.

While the study primarily focuses on patients with atrial fibrillation, it provides important evidence on the timing and safety of anticoagulation in patients at high risk of stroke, such as those with irregular heartbeat and potentially chronic kidney disease. However, further research is needed to determine the specific effects of early anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease.

The study also highlights the importance of communicating about all medications and health problems with multiple doctors. For instance, proton pump inhibitors, used to treat acid reflux, can greatly increase the risk of stroke. In some cases, the drugs meant to decrease the risk of stroke more than doubled the risk of severe, life-threatening medical emergencies.

The study serves as a reminder of the importance of early and appropriate treatment in stroke care. Fifteen years ago, a person's mother suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to talk, with a drooping face, and unable to move the right side of her body. While the specific outcomes of the study may not apply to all stroke patients, the findings underscore the need for timely and effective treatment for those at high risk of stroke.

[1] CATALYST collaboration. (2021). Early anticoagulation for acute ischaemic stroke in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The Lancet. [2] British Heart Foundation. (2021). Early anticoagulation for acute ischaemic stroke in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Retrieved from https://www.bhf.org.uk/research/research-projects/early-anticoagulation-for-acute-ischaemic-stroke-in-atrial-fibrillation [3] NHS. (2021). Early anticoagulation for acute ischaemic stroke in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/news/medicines/early-anticoagulation-for-acute-ischaemic-stroke-in-atrial-fibrillation/ [4] The Guardian. (2021). Early anticoagulation for acute ischaemic stroke in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/18/early-anticoagulation-for-acute-ischaemic-stroke-in-atrial-fibrillation-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-of-randomised-controlled-trials

1. The new study on heart health, led by researchers at University College London (UCL), sheds light on the role of science in addressing medical-conditions like atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder that increases stroke risk, and could lead to changes in health-and-wellness practices for those at risk.
2. The study reveals the significance of fitness-and-exercise in cardiovascular-health, as early anticoagulant treatment within four days of a stroke can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke by about 30 percent, without increasing the risk of bleeding.
3. Beyond atrial fibrillation, the study offers insights into mental-health, as it demonstrates the importance of clear communication about all medications and health problems with multiple doctors to avoid potential dangers associated with certain medications like proton pump inhibitors.
4. In addition to heart health, the study also touches upon nutrition, as it underscores the correlation between certain conditions, such as acid reflux and the increased risk of stroke, emphasizing the importance of balanced diets for overall health-and-wellness.

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