Aspirin can help to decrease the risk of reoccuring blood clots, new research suggests. The research, which appears in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, suggests that aspirin may be a promising alternative to those who cannot take long-term anticoagulants to keep blood clots from forming in the veins.

A combined analysis of two similar independent studies, involving 1,224 patients who took 100 mg of aspirin each day to treat blood clots and were monitored for at least two years, indicated a 42 percent reduction in the risk of recurring blood clots through the International Collaboration of Aspirin Trials for Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism, or INSPIRE, analysis.

Venous thromboembolism, VTE, are blood clots that form within the veins. These clots may form in the deep veins of the legs, deep vein thrombosis, and can break off and head to the lungs, leading to a blockage of arteries in the lungs, or pulmonary embolism.

Researchers suggest that without treatment, individuals with blood clots in their veins without an obvious cause have a 10 percent increased risk of developing another clot within the first year and a subsequent five percent risk.

The study’s lead author, John Simes, MD, director of the National Health and Medical Research Council Trials Centre and professor at the University of Sydney in Australia, said in a statement, “The treatment is warfarin or a newer anticoagulant usually given for at least six to 12 months to prevent a further blood clot.” He continued, “However, these people continue to be at risk.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one third, or 33 percent, of individuals with a DVT or PE will experience a recurrence within 10 years.