Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
Aspirin and clopidogrel for prevention of ischemic stroke
Ruth M Thomson1, David C Anderson
1Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St. SE, MMC 295, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. Thom1824@umn.edu
Insights
Platelets play a key role in ischemic stroke. While current guidelines don't favor dual antiplatelet therapy, research suggests combined aspirin and clopidogrel may benefit secondary stroke prevention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Platelets are crucial in ischemic stroke pathogenesis.
- Understanding platelet activation is key to developing antithrombotic therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of platelets in ischemic stroke.
- To evaluate antiplatelet agents like aspirin and clopidogrel.
- To explore the potential of combination therapy and antiplatelet resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of platelet function in ischemic stroke.
- Analysis of antithrombotic agent efficacy and safety.
- Examination of resistance mechanisms and diagnostic testing.
Main Results:
- Current guidelines do not recommend combined aspirin and clopidogrel.
- Emerging research suggests potential benefits of dual antiplatelet therapy in specific cases.
- Optimal antiplatelet therapy involves considerations of efficacy, safety, and resistance.
Conclusions:
- Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel may have specific roles in secondary ischemic stroke prevention.
- Cautious interpretation of literature is advised before clinical application.
- Adherence to current guidelines for secondary stroke prevention remains the primary recommendation.
Abstract:
This review examines the role of platelets in ischemic stroke, platelet activation mechanisms, aspirin's rise as an antithrombotic agent, clopidogrel's appearance on the stage, a possible role for combination therapy, antiplatelet resistance, practical considerations, and future directions. Reviewed in this chapter are issues central to optimal antiplatelet therapy: efficacy, safety, resistance, and biochemical/laboratory testing. Current guidelines do not recommend combination aspirin and clopidogrel use, however recent research indicates dual antiplatelet therapy with combined aspirin and clopidogrel may have specific roles in secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. A cautious and analytical interpretation of the literature is advised before application of this knowledge to clinical practice. The best recommendation at this time is to follow the published guidelines for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke.
Related Concept Videos
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
