Pulled From Shelves: Heart Risk Medications Prompt Global Health Alert

Our bodies are wired to clot blood when we’re injured—that’s how wounds heal. But when a clot forms where it shouldn’t—inside a healthy vein or artery—it can suddenly become life-threatening. These rogue clots, called thrombi, can travel through the bloodstream and block vital pathways in your lungs, brain, or heart.

Here are the most serious complications thrombi can cause:

• Pulmonary Embolism – A clot that travels to the lungs, cutting off oxygen.
• Stroke – A clot that blocks blood flow to the brain, potentially causing permanent damage.
• Heart Attack – A clot that obstructs coronary arteries, starving the heart of blood.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – Clots that form in the deep veins of the legs or arms.

For older adults, the danger is compounded. Many seniors take multiple medications, have slower circulation, and may already be managing conditions like high cholesterol or hypertension. Even a single undetected clot can trigger a cascade of medical emergencies.

Which Medications Are Being Removed or Investigated?

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