Taking Blood Thinners After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) involves angioplasty and often stenting. After this procedure, there is a chance that a blood clot will form at the blockage site. A blood clot can also form on a stent, if you have one. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help prevent this. Over time, the artery may also become blocked again. By monitoring your symptoms, you help your doctor detect problems before they become too serious.

Preventing blood clots

To help prevent blood clots, you will need to take medication, usually aspirin, daily for an extended period of time. A second medication, such as clopidogrel, may also be needed. Take these medications exactly as directed. Doing so lowers your risk of heart attack and even death. Your heart doctor can tell you how long these medications will be needed. Don't stop taking them without talking to your heart doctor first.