Washington D.C.: A new study published in JAMA Cardiology has revealed that the use of low dose blood thinners could effectively reduce heart failure risks. The study found that using blood thinners in patients with worsening heart failure, coronary artery disease or irregular heart rhythms was associated with a 17 per cent reduced risk of thromboembolic events, such as stroke and heart attack.

Barry Greenberg, a researcher, stated that they wanted to ascertain if they could improve outcomes in patients after an episode of worsening heart failure using a low dose of blood thinner. While this strategy didnt accomplish that goal, it was found to be associated with a significant reduction in the risk of clinically important events caused by thrombosis, such as stroke, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death.

The international, randomized COMMANDER HF study enrolled 5,022 patients after discharge from a hospital or in treatment in an outpatient clinic for worsening heart failure. Patients received 2.5 mg rivaroxaban orally twice daily or a placebo in addition to standard therapy.

Greenberg mentioned that while there was some increase in bleeding risk with low-dose rivaroxaban, major bleeding - the primary safety endpoint of the study - was not significantly increased.

Greenberg added that this is an important observation as currently there is no directive in place to prescribe blood thinners to this patient population.