ASPIRIN AND COUMADIN OFFER EQUAL PROTECTION IN HEART FAILURE

Blood clot formation is a concern in heart failure patients, particularly those who have a reduce ejection fraction (pump capacity.)   Typically, and EF (Ejection Fraction) below 35% is considered a risk for stagnant pooling of blood in the heart chambers and then subsequent strokes from the ejection of those clots from the impaired heart chambers.

In a study of 2300 patients out of Columbia University (NY), equal effectiveness was noted comparing a full dose (325mg aspirin) to Coumadin in this setting.

This is great news and allows us to feel comfortable using aspirin, as it is much easier to administer and does not require monitoring.

If you are unsure of why you are on Coumadin, please ask.  If this is your ‘indication’ you may consider the simpler alternative of aspirin.