Antiplatelet agents in coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease pathophysiology and platelet physiology are summarized, and the use of antiplatelet drugs in coronary artery disease is reviewed. Aspirin, sulfinpyrazone, and most other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents alter platelet function by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme necessary for the production of prostaglandins. Drugs that inhibit thromboxane synthetase or antagonize thromboxane A2 at the receptor level are under investigation. Prostacyclin and dipyridamole inhibit platelet function by elevating the concentration of cyclic AMP in platelets, but proof of their efficacy is limited. Most clinical trials of antiplatelet drugs in coronary artery disease have been small and of short duration; many have demonstrated short-term benefits, but long-term benefits are less obvious. Retrospective studies of patients before initial myocardial infarction suggest that regular aspirin ingestion may reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular complications. In prospective trials, the benefit of aspirin therapy for primary prevention of coronary artery disease was balanced by an increased likelihood of stroke. For secondary--after initial infarction--prevention of cardiovascular complications, the administration of aspirin and other antiplatelet agents has consistently decreased the rate of nonfatal myocardial infarction, overall mortality, or both. In the Second International Study of Infarct Survival, patients treated with streptokinase plus aspirin showed the greatest reduction in mortality, while each drug alone was associated with significantly lower mortality than placebo. Aspirin may improve clinical outcome in patients with or without previous myocardial infarction or with unstable angina pectoris. The daily dose should not exceed 325 mg. Antiplatelet therapy should not be used in patients at high risk for bleeding.