A recent study has suggested that a type of blood thinner may be better than aspirin for preventing heart attacks and strokes in patients with a form of heart disease.
Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Aspirin is a commonly prescribed drug to help prevent repeat heart attacks and strokes. This research suggests that clopidogrel, an alternative to aspirin, might be more effective at preventing recurrent heart attack or stroke. Importantly, these benefits come without a greater risk of major bleeding.”
“These findings are likely to impact the medications doctors prescribe to their patients to reduce their risk of future heart problems.”
What is coronary heart disease and what causes it?
Coronary heart disease is a major cause of people dying in the UK and worldwide.
It is caused by fatty material called atheroma building up inside coronary arteries which eventually become so narrow that they cannot get enough oxidised blood to your heart.
Complications can lead to a blood clot forming and then a heart attack.
According to British Heart Foundation data, the disease is responsible for around 66,000 deaths every year.
Atherosclerosis, as the process is known, can be caused by lifestyle factors, such as smoking and regularly drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, the NHS said.
What are the symptoms of coronary heart disease?
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of coronary heart disease are:
However, not everybody has symptoms and not everybody feels unwell in the same way before being diagnosed.
Diagnosing coronary heart disease
If a doctor or medical staff suspect you might be suffering from coronary heart disease they are likely to ask for a blood test.
From there, they can pinpoint findings by completing a treadmill test, a radionuclide scan, a CT scan, an MRI scan or a coronary angiography.
Can coronary heart disease be treated?
The disease cannot be cured but it is possible to manage it by making lifestyle changes and using medicine. In extreme cases it can be treated with surgery.
The NHS provides advice and support to help you deal with aspects of your life that may have been affected by coronary heart disease.
It can be prevented by exercise, not smoking, avoiding excess alcohol and keeping a balanced diet.
