We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Dual Antiplatelet Therapy?

Dan Harkins
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,396
Share

Doctors regularly prescribe antiplatelet medication to patients with narrowings of the carotid arteries or after surgery to correct a blockage, or thrumbus. This medication is often prescribed in tandem with a recommendation to take a daily dose of aspirin, a treatment known as dual antiplatelet therapy. Though bleeding episodes due to compromised clotting ability have been known to occur in a small number of patients who undergo this regimen, scientists have proven its efficacy in preventing additional plaque buildups, which could result in a stroke.

The main risk for patients with one or more thrombus, known as carotid stenosis, is stroke. This can occur when blood flow to the brain is fatally compromised. To address these blockages, doctors often turn to a dual antiplatelet therapy. This entails daily doses of aspirin, a known blood thinner and anticoagulant, as well as a prescription anticoagulant medication. These inhibitors may be adenosine diphosphate drugs like Plavix® or Effient®, glycoproteins like ReoPro® or Aggrastat®, or an extended release drug called dipyridamole.

Many patients who undertake dual antiplatelet therapy do so in response to a major stroke or a transient ischemic attack, or mini-stroke. Taking aspirin alone will prevent just one in five subsequent strokes after that. A 2006 study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, showed that using dual antiplatelet therapy resulted in far fewer recurrent strokes than with aspirin alone. The Harvard University Clinical Research Institute began a study in 2009 to determine the most effective duration of the therapy.

Some risks appear to be inherent with this type of antiplatelet treatment. According to a November 2010 report in the Archives of Internal Medicine, about one in 815 patients prescribed the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel, or Plavix®, were treated at an emergency room for uncontrolled bleeding, such as a bloody nose. By contrast, however, the anticoagulant drug warfarin results in about one visit to the emergency room per 274 patients.

Dual antiplatelet therapy can be undertaken proactively to prevent strokes, or in response to an episode. If a thrombus is particularly worrisome for a physician, invasive procedures might be necessary. This could include a carotid stent to repair the clogged artery or another surgery called an endarterectomy, which is an attempt to remove the troublesome plaque immediately. Dual antiplatelet therapy is regularly recommended after these invasive treatments, too, in an attempt to keep carotid stenosis to a minimum.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Harkins
By Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his journalism degree, he spent more than two decades honing his craft as a writer and editor for various publications. Dan’s debut novel showcases his storytelling skills and unique perspective by drawing readers into the story’s captivating narrative.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-dual-antiplatelet-therapy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.