If the blockage is less severe or if blood clots have formed that might break off and float to the brain, thinning the blood with medicine, or anticoagulation may be needed. Anticoagulation may also be used for a person with an irregular heart beat, recent heart attack, heart valve abnormality, or valve replacement. The most commonly used medications are aspirin, ticlopidine, and warfarin. Aspirin interferes with the function of platelets, one of the cells in the blood involved in clotting, and is used in a low dose, usually 325 mg a day. Ticlopidine also affects platelets, and is sometimes given to people who cannot take aspirin or who have had a stroke while taking aspirin.
Warfarin is a blood thinner, or anticoagulant, that reduces the blood's ability to clot.
Warfarin is especially useful for people who have irregular heart rhythms or other types of heart disease, an abnormal heart valve, or valve replacement. The dose of warfarin is adjusted by means of a blood test. Stop smoking, if you do smoke. Exercise regularly and maintain a reasonable body weight. If you have already had a stroke, find out your options for medical or surgical treatment, and follow through with your plan for preventing more strokes, including treatment of your health problems that may have led to stroke.