New Design Mechanical Heart Valve Requires Low-Dose Anticoagulation Therapy, Decreases Bleeding Risk

For more than 40 years, patients under 65 years of age requiring heart valve replacement have had to choose between a mechanical valve that offers life-long durability but requires aggressive warfarin anticoagulation or a biological (cow or pig) valve that will wear out in 10-20 years but does not require anticoagulation. Aggressive warfarin anticoagulation is accompanied by significant annual risk of bleeding, while inadequate anticoagulation of a mechanical artificial valve has been associated with high risk of clotting problems that can cause strokes...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cardiovascular / Cardiology Source Type: news