One of the basic laws of physics holds: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
That principle, it seems, applies to some aspects of medicine as well.
Research shows that routine use of the anti-clotting drug warfarin in people suffering from atrial fibrillation (a rapid, irregular heartbeat) has dramatically reduced the number of strokes caused by clotting of the blood.
But widespread use of the drug has also led to a soaring number of strokes caused by bleeding to the brain — potentially offsetting warfarin’s benefits, particularly among patients over the age of 80, according to a new study.
More info: Globe and mail.
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