Posted by Michael Wonder on 12 Aug 2016
Thousands to benefit as NICE set to recommend drug to prevent heart attacks and strokes
12 August 2016 - NICE has published draft guidance recommending anti-clotting drug ticagrelor 60 mg with aspirin for people who have had a heart attack.
In 2012/13 there were around 140,000 hospital admissions for heart attacks in England.
Heart attacks and strokes are caused by the build-up of fatty material in artery walls to form a plaque. If the plaque ruptures it can cause a blood clot which can block blood flow to heart muscles causing a heart attack.
If the blood clot dislodges it can travel in the blood stream and block blood flow to the brain causing a stroke.
People who have had a heart attack are at higher risk of having a further heart attack or stroke. Current treatment to prevent this happening includes making lifestyle changes such as exercise, stopping smoking and eating a healthier diet. It also includes the use of anti-clotting drugs (also called antiplatelets), including aspirin, to reduce the risk of blood clots forming.
