Millions worldwide take aspirin daily to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, a recent study suggests clopidogrel, another blood-thinning drug, may provide better protection for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Key Findings
Clopidogrel reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart-related conditions by 14% compared to aspirin.
The benefit was observed without an increased risk of major bleeding, a common concern with blood thinners.
Study data came from nearly 30,000 CAD patients, including those who had stents or acute coronary syndrome.
Even patients with genetic or clinical factors reducing response to clopidogrel still benefitted more than with aspirin.
How Clopidogrel Works
Blood Thinner: Prevents clots forming in arteries supplying the heart.
Clot Prevention: Reduces risk of a heart attack caused by blocked blood flow due to a clot.
Atherosclerosis Target: Helps counteract artery narrowing caused by fat, cholesterol, and other deposits.
Study Implications
Experts suggest clopidogrel monotherapy could be preferred over aspirin for long-term use in stable CAD patients.
The drug is widely available in generic form and is affordable, increasing its potential for broader adoption.
More research on cost-effectiveness and population-level outcomes is recommended before fully replacing aspirin in clinical practice.
Bottom Line
For patients with coronary artery disease, clopidogrel may offer stronger protection than aspirin against heart attacks and strokes while remaining safe in terms of bleeding risk. This could mark a significant shift in preventive cardiovascular care if adopted widely.
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