Blood Clots Are Often the Cause of Heart-related Chest Pain or Heart Attack
A "sudden" heart attack or even heart-related chest pain can be years in the making.
What causes a heart attack is typically when arteries supplying blood to the heart
are blocked. This same blockage occurs with heart-related chest pain. In most cases,
the blockage is caused by clots. In fact, clots cause more than 90% of all heart
attacks.
See how different cardiovascular medications work using the Understanding Heart Medications Chart.
How do clots form?
Many of us develop plaque: a buildup of cholesterol and other materials in the walls
of our arteries. Over time, this plaque can restrict the flow of blood throughout
the body.
What causes a heart attack? Clots
- Healthy Artery – Normal arteries are smooth and flexible, allowing
oxygen-rich blood to flow through easily
- Plaque Formation and Narrowing of the Arteries – Deposits collect
within the artery walls, causing plaque that narrows the artery and reduces blood
flow
- Plaque Rupture – The plaque ruptures and platelets in your blood
may form clots
- Artery Blockage – A clot can reduce or block the flow of blood.
This blockage typically causes a heart attack, heart-related chest pain (unstable
angina), or a stroke
Your doctor may recommend using PLAVIX with aspirin daily if you’ve been hospitalized with:
- Heart-related chest pain (unstable angina)
- A heart attack
Your doctor may refer to these conditions as Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).
PLAVIX can help you stay protected, no matter which type of ACS you’ve had
PLAVIX is a prescription-only medicine that helps keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots.
PLAVIX in combination with aspirin is for patients hospitalized with:
- heart-related chest pain
- heart attack
Doctors may refer to these conditions as ACS (Acute Coronary Syndrome).
And always talk to your doctor before taking aspirin with PLAVIX, especially if you've had a stroke.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Certain genetic factors and some medicines such as Prilosec reduce the effect of PLAVIX leaving you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Your doctor may use genetic tests to determine treatment. Don’t stop taking PLAVIX without talking to your doctor as your risk of heart attack or stroke may increase. People with stomach ulcers or conditions that cause bleeding should not use PLAVIX. Taking PLAVIX alone or with some other medicines, including aspirin, may increase bleeding risk which can potentially be life-threatening. So tell your doctor when planning surgery. Tell your doctor all medicines you take, including aspirin, especially if you’ve had a stroke. If fever, unexplained weakness or confusion develops, tell your doctor promptly. These may be signs of TTP, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, reported sometimes less than 2 weeks after starting PLAVIX.
Click here for US Full Prescribing Information Including BOXED WARNING
and Medication Guide
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medicine.
What to do next:
Learn the role PLAVIX plays with post heart attack treatment.