Dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin for secondary stroke prevention

Stroke is a major public health concern worldwide, and 25 % of stroke victims would have another stroke. Although administration of antiplatelet agents has been confirmed to be one of the major approaches for secondary prevention of noncardioembolic stroke, the short-term or long-term use of aspirin plus clopidogrel for secondary stroke prevention remains to be controversial. This article aims at providing a comprehensive review of the evidence on the use of aspirin plus clopidogrel for secondary stroke prevention, with special focus on important studies that may impact clinical practice of treating patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack.