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Question:
For patients with stents, are there alternatives to Plavix?
My 76-year-old father had a heart attack 3 months ago. He received a stent and has been taking Plavix and a baby aspirin daily. He is normally in good health and still does construction work. Yesterday he started vomiting blood, and the doctors found a hole in between his stomach and esophagus. He has been given a pint of blood so far. The doctor has taken him off the aspirin but wants to keep him on Plavix. I have been told Plavix can cause death. Any alternatives?
submitted by Sabrina from Idaho
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Roberto Lufschanowski, MD
Plavix does not cause death and it is a must after stenting.
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Updated October 2014
