(April 15, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Taking anti-clotting drugs, including those used to prevent heart attacks and strokes, may increase the risk of microbleeds in the brain, according to research published in the Archives of Neurology.

Here is some information about microbleeds in the brain:

•    They refer to deposits of the iron-storing protein hemosiderin.

•    The presence of these microbleeds may be a sign of disease or weakening in the small blood vessels of the brain.

•    While fairly common in older adults, they may be a sign of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Researchers from Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam looked for signs of microbleeds in over 1,000 patients who underwent brain scans. They also looked at pharmacy records to see who had taken anti-clotting drugs.

Taking aspirin or carbasalate calcium was linked with an increased risk of microbleeds, especially when taken at higher doses. Microbleeds in the frontal lobe of the brain were more common among aspirin users than carbasalate calcium users.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Monique Breteler, the corresponding author on this study, who offered some further insight.

Today's research suggests that the risk of microbleeds should be taken into account when considering the pros and cons of anti-clotting drugs.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.