Anticoagulant drugs are used to reduce the ability of the blood to clot. Common anticoagulants include aspirin, heparin and warfarin.
People who have undergone the Bentall operation need to take anticoagulants to reduce the risk of clotting around the graft/on the artificial valve leaflets.
Side effects of the medication can include haemorrhage (excessive bleeding), hair loss and osteoporosis.
Should further surgery be required, the risks are increased since the patient may need to stop taking the anti-coagulation drugs to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery and to promote healing.
Some anticoagulants (notably warfarin) increase the risk of foetal abnormalities if taken during pregnancy.
