A review of secondary coronary prevention with dipyridamole and aspirin

C R Prentice1

  • 1University Department of Medicine, General Infirmary, Leeds, UK.

Thrombosis Research. Supplement
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Antiplatelet drugs significantly reduce cardiovascular events. A 2-year treatment course following myocardial infarction prevents approximately two deaths and three non-fatal events per 100 patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone in managing cardiovascular disease.
  • Numerous placebo-controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of antiplatelet agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the findings of major placebo-controlled trials on antiplatelet drugs.
  • To quantify the net clinical benefit of antiplatelet therapy after myocardial infarction.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of data from key clinical trials including AMIS, CDP, ISIS-2, PARIS I and II.
  • Synthesis of results from the Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration.

Main Results:

  • Consistent evidence across multiple trials demonstrates the benefit of antiplatelet agents.
  • A 2-year course of antiplatelet therapy initiated promptly after myocardial infarction is associated with significant risk reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Antiplatelet therapy provides substantial protection against both fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events.
  • For every 100 patients treated for 2 years post-myocardial infarction, approximately two fatal and three non-fatal events are averted.

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