A new review shows that anti-clotting drugs can help people with acute heart problems, though the benefits seem to be confined to men.

The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are new drugs that stop blood from clotting in the coronary arteries. It's already known that they help heart patients undergoing angioplasty - the procedure to open up a blocked artery. Now researchers in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, suggest that the anti-clotting drugs may benefit all heart patients.

They reviewed data from six trials, covering over 31,000 patients in 41 countries. The patients were all at high risk of heart attack - or had just had one. Thirty days later, 11 per cent had either died or had a non-fatal heart attack. Overall, those on the glycoprotein inhibitors had a nine per cent reduced risk. When men only were considered, the risk reduction was 19 per cent. The benefit in women could not be demonstrated. And it was the highest risk subgroup of patients that had the most to gain. Doctors should use this review to consider giving glycoprotein inhibitors to all patients with acute heart problems, whether or not they are having angioplasty.

Source

Lancet January 19 2002