Heart Attack

Warfarin has a role in both the prevention and treatment of heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly stopped. This is usually as the result of a blood clot blocking an artery so anyone who is at high risk of developing blood clots is also at increased risk of having a heart attack. People in such high risk categories are normally prescribed Warfarin, or another anticoagulant, to reduce the chance of heart attacks occurring.

After a heart attack, damaged heart tissue can lead to clots forming in the left ventricle which could potentially break away and cause a stroke. In such cases Warfarin may be prescribed for up to 6 months to reduce the risk of stroke.