1<\/p>\n P2Y12 inhibitor may be more effective for long term prevention than aspirinCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Because aspirin helps to stop your blood from clotting, it can sometimes make you bleed more easily. <\/p>\n For example, you may get nosebleeds<\/a> and bruise more easily, and if you cut yourself, the bleeding may take longer than normal to stop. <\/p>\n Now, a study published by The BMJ supports the use of P2Y12 therapy instead of aspirin for long term prevention. <\/p>\n Giving the anti-clotting drug to patients with coronary artery disease was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke<\/a> compared with traditional aspirin, with no increased risk of major bleeding. <\/p>\n Read more on heart attack<\/p>\n P2Y12 inhibitors are usually given to patients alongside aspirin after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) – a procedure to widen or unblock a coronary artery to help prevent cardiovascular events. <\/p>\n After several months, patients are usually switched from dual therapy (both drugs) to lifelong aspirin, but some trials have suggested a P2Y12 inhibitor may be more effective for long term prevention than aspirin. <\/p>\n So in the new study, researchers analysed individual patient data from five randomised clinical trials involving 16,117 patients who were assigned to either a P2Y12 inhibitor or aspirin after completing dual therapy. <\/p>\n When they were followed up four years later, P2Y12 inhibitor therapy was associated with a 23 per cent lower risk of an outcome that combined cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke, compared with aspirin – with no significance different in major bleeding. <\/p>\n When considering outcomes individually, P2Y12 inhibitor therapy reduced heart attacks and stroke compared with aspirin. <\/p>\n The researchers said: “Overall, this study supports preferential P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy prescription over aspirin due to reductions in major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events without increasing major bleeding in the medium term.”<\/p>\n Women vs. Men Heart Attack Symptoms<\/p>\n But, they note “medium term efficacy does not necessarily extend lifelong, which is the duration we advise patients to continue these medications”. <\/p>\n To prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients with coronary artery disease, it’s crucial to make lifestyle changes like\u00a0quitting smoking<\/a>, exercising<\/a> regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet<\/a>.<\/p>\n Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease<\/a> and stroke, so quitting is recommended.<\/p>\n People should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week and choose a diet low in saturated and trans fats, high in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in salt. <\/p>\n If you drink alcohol, you should do so in moderation. <\/p>\n And practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or yoga, and find healthy ways to copy with stress<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u00a0Seeing your doctor regularly for screenings and to monitor your heart health<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/close-up-adult-man-taking-1000430231.jpg\")
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