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Coronary Artery Disease Patient. Have Double Stent. Taking Aspirin. Getting Large Black And Blue Contusions On Arms And Legs. Cure?
Question: I am a 72 year old coronary artery disease patient with a triple Mid L.A.D. Implant. I take 75 mg Plavix and 2 (81 mg) aspirin daily. Since I began using Plavix in 2010 when my cardiologist implanted a double stent in my Widow Maker, I get small, medium, and large black and blue contusions on my arms and legs. They just pop up, then fade away after several days. Then new ones come. I've asked the Cardiologist and he states, "Do they hurt". The answer is no but they look as if I have been beaten by someone. At this moment, I have three small ones on my left inner forearm and one on my right leg that has been there for a week. Since April 1st, I continue to work with a personal trainer(light training) 3 times a week. On off days, I walk on my treadmill at 2.5 for approximately 20 minutes. My lifestyle is active, post graduate education, and am retired now for 14 years. Should I be worried when these three new black and blue marks appeared when I showered this a.m.? Is it the Plavix? Is it eating too many antioxidants (fruits and vegetables)? XXXXX
Hello,
The lesion in the arms may be subcutaneous bleeding.
You may have increased risk of bleeding due to use of antiplatelet drugs like Clopidogrel and aspirin even for trivial injuries.
This is due to the drugs prevent clot formation following any bleed.
This is how they prevent clot formation on the heart and brain.
It is small and not troubling you then no need to worry.
But you need to avoid injuries because you are prone for bleeding.
If you're concerned you can do
1. Bleeding time
2. Clothing time and check whether they are within the normal range.
Hope the answer helps you.
Pleased to answer other queries.
The lesion in the arms may be subcutaneous bleeding.
You may have increased risk of bleeding due to use of antiplatelet drugs like Clopidogrel and aspirin even for trivial injuries.
This is due to the drugs prevent clot formation following any bleed.
This is how they prevent clot formation on the heart and brain.
It is small and not troubling you then no need to worry.
But you need to avoid injuries because you are prone for bleeding.
If you're concerned you can do
1. Bleeding time
2. Clothing time and check whether they are within the normal range.
Hope the answer helps you.
Pleased to answer other queries.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed
Pathologist and Microbiologist
Practicing since :2006
Answered : 1584 Questions
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