[Platelet antiaggregants and coronary pathology]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Atherosclerosis of coronary arteries poses significant risks for thrombosis and myocardial infarction.
• Platelet inhibitors are crucial in managing these cardiovascular events.

Purpose:

• To review the efficacy of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in preventing coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction across various clinical scenarios.
• To compare aspirin's effectiveness with other anticoagulants like heparin and anti-vitamin K agents.

Summary:

• Aspirin, in doses of 160-1500 mg daily, is proven effective in high-risk situations including post-myocardial infarction, acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, post-aorto-coronary bypass, and post-coronary artery dilatation.
• Studies comparing aspirin to heparin and anti-vitamin K agents show no significant difference in effectiveness.
• The potential benefit of aspirin in preventing myocardial infarction in healthy individuals remains uncertain.

Impact:

• Aspirin is a cornerstone therapy for preventing thrombotic events in patients with established coronary artery disease.
• Understanding aspirin's mechanism, which involves interrupting the cascade from plaque rupture to thrombosis, is key to its therapeutic application.
• Further research is needed to clarify the role of aspirin in primary prevention of myocardial infarction.