How long do you have to take blood thinners after a heart stent?

It has been common practice for patients who have had a stent placed to clear a blocked artery to take an anti-clotting drug (such as Plavix, Effient, or Brilinta) plus aspirin for 12 months after the procedure. Taking these two medications, called dual anti-platelet therapy, reduces the risk of forming blood clots.

Do I need to take a statin after stent placement?

If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke you’re taking them to reduce your risk of further events. If you’ve had an angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery, this does not mean that you are cured. You will still need to take statins, usually for life.

Is aspirin necessary after stent?

While current guidelines recommend patients take aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor such as clopidogrel for at least 12 months after receiving a stent, a strategy known as dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), doctors have sought to determine whether this is the best combination of drugs to use with newer drug-eluting stents.

Do you have to take medication after a stent?

3. After this procedure, your doctor will prescribe 3 medicines that are important for your heart. It is important to take these medications every day to protect your stent and protect your heart.

What are the side effects of heart stents?

What are the risks associated with heart angioplasty and stent placement?

• an allergic reaction to medication or dye.
• breathing problems.
• bleeding.
• a blockage of the stented artery.
• a blood clot.
• a heart attack.
• an infection.
• re-narrowing of the artery.

How long do I need to take Plavix after a stent?

The data “suggest that all patients with drug-eluting stents should continue to take [Plavix] for at least 12 months after [stent implantation], and possibly indefinitely,” Eisenstein and colleagues conclude.

What medications to avoid after stents?

Asprin

• Prevents blood clots that may cause a heart attack.
• Used to protect bypass grafts and stents in the heart.
• If you have a stent: DO NOT stop taking aspirin for any reason without first talking to your heart doctor.
• Examples: aspirin (Bayer®, Bayer® Aspirin Regimen Children’s, Ecotrin® Low Strength; Ecotrin®)