Locations:
Search IconSearch

Should You Take Aspirin If You Are on Blood Thinners?

The short answer from a cardiologist

aspirin placed in the shape of a heart

Q: Is it OK to take aspirin if I’m on blood thinners for atrial fibrillation?

A: Aspirin is a type of blood thinner called an antiplatelet. Antiplatelets reduce your blood cells’ ability to clump together to form a clot. If you have heart disease, you’re probably familiar with taking a low dose of aspirin to help prevent heart attack.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

However, if you have atrial fibrillation and are taking a different kind of blood thinner called an anticoagulant (such as heparin or warfarin) to reduce your risk for blood clots and stroke, it’s critical to talk with your cardiologist if you have an aspirin regimen or are planning to start one.

Sometimes, it’s important for patients to be prescribed aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) with anticoagulants such as apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto) to prevent cardiovascular events. In many other cases, though, combining these two types of blood thinners could increase risk for bleeding that outweighs any potential benefit.

As with any medication, you should talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with using aspirin.

Interventional cardiologist Rishi Puri, MD, PhD

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

anticoagulant pills
March 19, 2024/Primary Care
What To Avoid When Taking a Blood Thinner

Bleeding is a risk and warrants taking care, but the reward of this lifesaving medication is great

A person holding a prescription bottle with pills.
October 15, 2018/Heart Health
Do I Really Need a Blood Thinner for My AFib ?

The Short Answer from a cardiologist

Required
March 31, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Rani duplicated post

Most recommended precautions center around minimizing bruising or swelling

Best time to drink coffee
March 25, 2025/Lung
Evie's Full Post

Test subtitle for a Post.

blurred person looking out window in background with glass of wine and bottle in foreground
March 20, 2025/Brain & Nervous System
Test Post Rani - Duplicate

Even one drink can have an impact on your cognitive function leading to slurred speech, blurred vision and impaired memory

Alt text here
Heena New Post

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Et odio Quis vel ipsam omnis eum alias deleniti et placeat impedit non voluptas galisum hic autem enim et cupiditate aliquid. Est beatae quidem non facilis autem ut commodi nisi aut tempore rerum et dolores voluptatem cum enim optio id sapiente quasi. Ad laboriosam officiis 33 cupiditate sequi ea voluptatum consectetur qui necessitatibus voluptate et quasi doloremque et facere explicabo quo explicabo officia

Trending Topics

female awake in bed staring ahead with male next to her asleep
3 Steps for Managing Sleep Maintenance Insomnia

Keeping a sleep diary and seeing a sleep specialist can help you stay asleep and get the ZZZs you need

female awake in bed staring ahead with male next to her asleep
3 Steps for Managing Sleep Maintenance Insomnia

Keeping a sleep diary and seeing a sleep specialist can help you stay asleep and get the ZZZs you need

Older woman awake in bed in the middle of the night looking a smartphone
Does Menopause Cause Insomnia and Sleeplessness?

Hormone changes can definitely leave you tossing and turning at night, but help is available

Ad