Study Highlights the Risk of Bleeding With the Use of Blood Thinners During Surgery

Blood thinners are anticoagulants that reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and blockages in the arteries and veins. A new guideline provided by the American Academy of Neurology helps millions of heart patients who take blood thinners in deciding whether or not these thinners should be taken during surgery or other medical procedures.

People who have suffered a stroke often take blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin in order to prevent its occurrence. These prevent the formation of blood clots that cause stroke; however, at the same time, they cause damage to the person's health. Many are not aware that these drugs increase the risk of bleeding ,and this risk is more when someone is having a procedure or operation.

"There may be millions of Americans taking anticlotting drugs to prevent a stroke," said guideline author Melissa J. Armstrong, MD, an assistant professor of neurology with the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore in a press statement. "For every dental procedure, minor medical procedure or surgery these people plan to have, they should work with their doctors to decide if these drugs should be continued to maintain stroke prevention efforts or temporarily stopped to lower the risk of bleeding with the procedure."

The guideline was developed after reviewing all available data till date. In minor small procedures, the risk of bleeding from continuing blood thinners is very less; whereas in a hip and colon procedure, the risk of bleeding is high with continued blood thinners.

According to Armstrong, the new guideline helps patients and doctors to know about the different risks involved. It is important to discuss the person's health history and preferred course of action before carrying out the surgery.