Sticky platelets

Antiplatelet Chemoprevention of Occlusive Vascular Events and Death

Conclusions

SECONDARY PREVENTION:

1. ASA, 80 -325 mg/day, is proven effective for the prevention of vascular occlusive events for patients with established disease. There is little evidence of benefit beyond a maximum dose of ASA of 325 mg/day.

2. Other antiplatelet drugs should be used for patients allergic to or intolerant of ASA.

3. Patient characteristics, benefits, harm and cost should be considered when selecting an agent other than ASA.

4. Combination of ASA with other antiplatelet agents requires further study.

PRIMARY PREVENTION:

Benefit of platelet prevention has not been shown to exceed harm in patients without proven vascular occlusive disease.