Key result
Dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin is recommended for acute coronary syndromes and post-stent placement for up to one year, but indefinite use is not supported due to increased bleeding risks.
Why the study?
The use of dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin outside recommended indications or durations is common, with unclear or potentially harmful data, especially after coronary stent deployment depending on stent type.
Does dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin prevent cardiovascular events in appropriate indications?
Does dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin prevent cardiovascular events in appropriate indications?
This review emphasizes the importance of adhering to recommended indications and durations for dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin to maximize benefit and minimize harm.
Combination antiplatelet therapy, typically with clopidogrel and aspirin, is commonly used for the prevention of cardiovascular events. When used for appropriate indications and duration, its benefits clearly outweigh its risks. However, it is not uncommon for the combination to be used outside of recommended indications or for longer than recommended durations. In these circumstances data are at best unclear and, at worst, indicative of harm. Furthermore, use for one of its indications-prevention of cardiac events after deployment of a coronary stent-is complicated by the type of stent used. This report reviews the evidence surrounding combination antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate indications for and durations of therapy.
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Chris M. Terpening (2009) conducted a review in Cardiovascular events (acute coronary syndromes, coronary stents). Dual antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel and aspirin) vs. Aspirin monotherapy or clopidogrel monotherapy was evaluated. Dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin is recommended for acute coronary syndromes and post-stent placement for up to one year, but indefinite use is not supported due to increased bleeding risks.
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