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Current status of antiplatelet agents to prevent stroke

Thalia S Field1, Oscar R Benavente

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, S169-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada. tsfield@dal.ca

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Antiplatelet agents like aspirin are crucial for preventing recurrent strokes and vascular events in noncardioembolic stroke patients. Early, lifelong treatment maximizes benefits for stroke survivors at high risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Stroke is a primary cause of long-term disability, often linked to atherothrombotic mechanisms.
  • A significant portion of ischemic strokes are preceded by prior stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
  • Stroke survivors face elevated risks of subsequent cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the critical role of antiplatelet therapy in secondary stroke prevention.
  • To outline current antiplatelet treatment options for patients with noncardioembolic stroke or TIA.
  • To stress the importance of early initiation and lifelong adherence to antiplatelet treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current evidence and guidelines on secondary stroke prevention.
  • Analysis of the efficacy of aspirin, clopidogrel, and aspirin/extended-release dipyridamole combinations.
  • Emphasis on risk factor control as a complementary strategy.

Main Results:

  • Antiplatelet agents are fundamental for secondary stroke prevention in noncardioembolic disease.
  • Aspirin, clopidogrel, and aspirin/extended-release dipyridamole are established therapeutic options.
  • Risk factor management is essential but antiplatelet therapy remains the cornerstone.

Conclusions:

  • Lifelong antiplatelet therapy, initiated promptly, is vital for preventing recurrent vascular events post-stroke or TIA.
  • Optimal management involves a combination of risk factor control and appropriate antiplatelet medication.
  • Consistent adherence to treatment maximizes the protective effects of antiplatelet agents.

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