Platelet Function in Aspirin- or Clopidogrel-Treated CAD Patients

When patients with recent MI or unstable angina have indices of platelet function that indicate inadequate suppression, alternative or supplemental inhibitors of platelet activity might be required.

Virtually all patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) receive daily doses of aspirin, clopidogrel, or both, which are used to inhibit platelet function and prevent coronary occlusion. Recently, concern has been expressed that standard doses of these agents could be ineffective in some patients. When patients with recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina have indices of platelet function that indicate inadequate suppression, alternative or supplemental inhibitors of platelet activity might be required.

In an investigator-initiated, industry-funded study, 677 consecutive patients (mean age, 61; 25% women) who required diagnostic cardiac catheterization were enrolled at a single Massachusetts center. Most had non-MI coronary disease,…

Reviewing Author

David Green, MD, PhD