Which is the better anticoagulant to prevent stroke—warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin?
Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that decreases the stickiness of circulating platelets (small blood cells that start the normal clotting process), so that they adhere to each other less and are less likely to form blood clots. Whereas warfarin (brand name Coumadin) works by slowing the production of blood clotting proteins made in the liver. However, “current research indicates that aspirin is not as effective in preventing blood clots (and therefore, strokes) as Coumadin.”36 “…while warfarin is highly effective, reducing the annual risk of stroke by approximately two thirds, aspirin has a more modest 20% effectiveness rate.”45 But aspirin is less likely to cause abnormal bleeding than warfarin. People with less risk factors for stroke are often on aspirin. People more at risk for stroke such as those over 65 years old with frequent A-Fib episodes are often on warfarin (Coumadin) (baring other risk factors such as Peptic Ulcer, etc.). In such cases the relative risk of stroke exceeds
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