Are prescription blood thinners better for preventing heart attack?

Not for most people. While doctors long assumed that taking the anticlotting drug clopidogrel (Plavix) along with aspirin provided additional coronary protection, a recent large clinical trial has shown that the combination works no better than aspirin alone and may increase the risk of harmful bleeding. The combination should generally be reserved for people in imminent cardiovascular danger, such as those who are having a heart attack or stroke, or having a stent implanted to prop open a clogged artery. Clopidogrel alone can also be an option for people who can't take aspirin for safety reasons.  more