Which drug class is used to reduce thromboembolic risk after ischemic stroke?

Which drug class is used to reduce thromboembolic risk after ischemic stroke?

• A. Warfarin
• B. Antihistamines
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Beta blockers

Answer: (A)

Preventing another thromboembolic event after an ischemic stroke is achieved by thinning the blood when the stroke is due to a clot formed in the heart or another part of the circulation. Anticoagulants do this by reducing the blood’s tendency to clot. Warfarin is a classic example of an anticoagulant. It inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K–dependent clotting factors, which lowers the body’s ability to form clots and thus lowers the risk of a recurrent embolic stroke. Other drugs listed don’t target clot formation in this way. Antihistamines, antibiotics, and beta blockers don’t reduce thromboembolic risk. In some stroke patients, antiplatelet therapy may be used, but for cardioembolic or atrial fibrillation–related stroke, anticoagulants like warfarin are the preferred class to lower recurrent risk.

Preventing another thromboembolic event after an ischemic stroke is achieved by thinning the blood when the stroke is due to a clot formed in the heart or another part of the circulation. Anticoagulants do this by reducing the blood’s tendency to clot. Warfarin is a classic example of an anticoagulant. It inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K–dependent clotting factors, which lowers the body’s ability to form clots and thus lowers the risk of a recurrent embolic stroke.

Other drugs listed don’t target clot formation in this way. Antihistamines, antibiotics, and beta blockers don’t reduce thromboembolic risk. In some stroke patients, antiplatelet therapy may be used, but for cardioembolic or atrial fibrillation–related stroke, anticoagulants like warfarin are the preferred class to lower recurrent risk.