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Published on: March 15, 2022
Clopidogrel use in coronary heart disease and percutaneous coronary intervention
Andrew D Atiemo1, Marlene S Williams
1Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Insights
Clopidogrel effectively manages atherothrombosis by blocking adenosine diphosphate. This review covers its mechanism, clinical trials, and the implications of clopidogrel resistance in cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Thrombosis
Background:
- Antiplatelet therapy is crucial for managing atherothrombosis.
- Clopidogrel, a thienopyridine, is a widely used antiplatelet medication.
- Its efficacy is established in various cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacology and mechanism of action of clopidogrel.
- To summarize key clinical trials evaluating clopidogrel in coronary heart disease.
- To discuss clopidogrel resistance and its clinical significance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of major clinical trials.
- Analysis of clopidogrel's pharmacological properties.
- Examination of studies on antiplatelet resistance.
Main Results:
- Clopidogrel inhibits adenosine 5' diphosphate (ADP) binding to platelet receptors.
- Clinical trials confirm clopidogrel's benefit in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes.
- Clopidogrel resistance is a recognized phenomenon with potential clinical impact.
Conclusions:
- Clopidogrel is a vital agent in managing atherothrombosis.
- Understanding its mechanism and clinical applications is essential.
- Further research into clopidogrel resistance may optimize patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Antiplatelet therapy has proven efficacy in the management of atherothrombosis. Clopidogrel, a thienopyridine, is a potent antiplatelet agent that achieves its antiplatelet effects by inhibiting the binding of adenosine 5' diphosphate to its platelet receptor. Large clinical trials have demonstrated a role for clopidogrel in the management of symptomatic atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndromes, and patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. In this review, we discuss the pharmacology of clopidogrel including the mechanism of action, review the major clinical trials that have defined the current role of clopidogrel in coronary heart disease and percutaneous coronary intervention, and, finally, examine the concept of clopidogrel resistance and its potential clinical implications.
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