Preventing thromboembolism after myocardial infarction: effect of low-dose heparin or smoking.
A trial of low-dose subcutaneous heparin to prevent thromboembolic complications after myocardial infarction was carried out in 78 patients. Of the 37 heparin-treated patients only two (5%) developed evidence of leg vein thrombosis, while 14 (34%) of the 41 controls did so, and five controls developed pulmonary emboli. Leg vein thrombosis developed in 12 (50%) of the 24 controls who did not smoke cigarettes but in only two (13%) of the 17 controls who were cigarette smokers. Non-smokers who have a myocardial infarction should be given low-dose heparin subcutaneously to prevent leg vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D012907:Smoking; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000517:prevention & control
D006493:Heparin