American Heart Association

Dual or potent antiplatelet therapy associated with higher in-hospital mortality after brain bleed

January 30, 2026

A decade-long analysis of >400,000 U.S. hospitalizations for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) found that patients taking stronger antiplatelet agents or dual therapy before the bleed had higher in‑hospital mortality compared with those not on antiplatelets, according to preliminary data from the AHA/ASA International Stroke Conference 2026. In contrast, patients taking aspirin alone had no increased death risk and showed lower odds of an unfavorable outcome. The study didn't assess the risk of developing an ICH from these medications, and findings remain preliminary. Researchers note that results may help guide future management strategies for antiplatelet‑associated ICH.

Clinical takeaway: Aspirin alone showed outcomes comparable to no antiplatelet use, while stronger or dual regimens had higher mortality in this preliminary analysis.

Source:

(2026, January 29). American Heart Association. Data analysis finds multiple antiplatelets linked to worse outcomes after a brain bleed. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/data-analysis-finds-multiple-antiplatelets-linked-to-worse-outcomes-after-a-brain-bleed