“How long do you stay on blood thinners after stents?”
I am taking blood thinners after stent surgery already 4 months. I want to know how long do you stay on blood thinners after stents?
8 Answers
The duration of blood thinner (anticoagulant) therapy after receiving stents can vary depending on several factors, including the type of stent placed, the reason for the stent placement, and an individual's overall health and medical history. In general, here are some guidelines:
1. **Drug-Eluting Stents (DES):** If you received a drug-eluting stent, which is coated with medication to prevent restenosis (re-narrowing of the blood vessel), it is common to continue dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for at least 12 months. DAPT typically consists of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor (such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor).
2. **Bare-Metal Stents (BMS):** If you received a bare-metal stent, which is not coated with medication, the recommended duration of DAPT may be shorter, often around 1 to 3 months.
3. **Complex Procedures or High Risk:** In some cases, particularly when stent placement is part of a complex procedure or for individuals at high risk for clotting, the duration of blood thinners may be longer, up to 6 to 12 months or more.
4. **Individualized Decision:** Ultimately, the decision on how long to stay on blood thinners is individualized and should be made in consultation with your cardiologist or healthcare provider. They will consider your specific medical history, the reason for the stent, your risk of clotting or bleeding, and other factors when determining the appropriate duration.
5. **Lifelong Aspirin:** In many cases, even after discontinuing the P2Y12 inhibitor component of DAPT, individuals are often advised to continue taking aspirin on a long-term basis to prevent clotting.
It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding blood thinner therapy closely. Stopping blood thinners too early can increase the risk of clot formation, while staying on them for an extended period may increase the risk of bleeding. Your healthcare provider will weigh these risks and benefits to provide you with the most appropriate treatment plan.
Remember to communicate any side effects or concerns about your medications with your healthcare provider, and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
1. **Drug-Eluting Stents (DES):** If you received a drug-eluting stent, which is coated with medication to prevent restenosis (re-narrowing of the blood vessel), it is common to continue dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for at least 12 months. DAPT typically consists of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor (such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor).
2. **Bare-Metal Stents (BMS):** If you received a bare-metal stent, which is not coated with medication, the recommended duration of DAPT may be shorter, often around 1 to 3 months.
3. **Complex Procedures or High Risk:** In some cases, particularly when stent placement is part of a complex procedure or for individuals at high risk for clotting, the duration of blood thinners may be longer, up to 6 to 12 months or more.
4. **Individualized Decision:** Ultimately, the decision on how long to stay on blood thinners is individualized and should be made in consultation with your cardiologist or healthcare provider. They will consider your specific medical history, the reason for the stent, your risk of clotting or bleeding, and other factors when determining the appropriate duration.
5. **Lifelong Aspirin:** In many cases, even after discontinuing the P2Y12 inhibitor component of DAPT, individuals are often advised to continue taking aspirin on a long-term basis to prevent clotting.
It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding blood thinner therapy closely. Stopping blood thinners too early can increase the risk of clot formation, while staying on them for an extended period may increase the risk of bleeding. Your healthcare provider will weigh these risks and benefits to provide you with the most appropriate treatment plan.
Remember to communicate any side effects or concerns about your medications with your healthcare provider, and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Please ask your heart doctor to clarify. The regimen is different depending on the type of stent placed.
After stents, it's 6 months to 1 year. It depends on other diagnoses also. Your Cardiologist will and should explain it to you, how long you need to take anticoagulation medications.
Good Luck and be safe !!
Good Luck and be safe !!
Usually 6 months, then continue on Aspirin but check with your Cardiologist!
In general, after a stent is placed patients take aspirin 81 mg and a P2Y12 antagonist such as Plavix, Brilinta, or Effient for at least 12 months. This can be longer depending upon the patient’s response and medical history.
It depends on the type of stent. There are drug-eluding stents and there are bare stents.
Minimum of 6 months but you should consult a cardiologist
Discuss with doctor who placed you on the blood thinners. It can be for life or 6 months. It depends.
