What is the purpose of placing a patient on blood thinners after a PCI?

• A. To prevent clot formation, especially if stents are placed
• B. To treat infection
• C. To reduce blood pressure
• D. To lower cholesterol

Answer: (A)

After PCI, the vessel is injured and a stent may be placed, which can trigger the blood to clot at the stent site. Blood thinners work by inhibiting platelet aggregation, preventing the formation of a thrombus that could block the artery and cause a heart attack. This makes them essential to keep the stented artery open in the critical period after the procedure, often as dual antiplatelet therapy for a defined duration. In contrast, infection is treated with antibiotics, blood pressure with antihypertensives, and cholesterol with statins, not specifically to prevent clotting on a stent.