Antiplatelet therapy after coronary occlusion

Platelets are pivotal in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome and in the complications following the implantation of coronary stents. Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is essential to reduce the risk of recurrent ischaemic events. The combination should be taken for up to one year following acute coronary syndrome in patients at high risk of future events. Aspirin should be continued indefinitely. The duration of treatment with clopidogrel depends on the type of stent implanted. Patients with drug-eluting stents require combination therapy for at least one year. Premature withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy carries a risk of thrombosis in the stent. In patients with drug-eluting stents, thrombosis may occur as a late complication of stent implantation. Withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy should be done in consultation with the cardiologist who implanted the drug-eluting stent.