Data from the CHARISMA trial suggest that the answer is no.
A role for short-term dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel has been established for patients with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction, and for patients undergoing angioplasty and stenting. In this industry-sponsored study (known as CHARISMA), researchers determined whether dual therapy is beneficial for a broader range of patients.
A total of 15,603 patients with either documented cardiovascular disease (coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral arterial disease) or multiple cardiovascular risk factors were randomized to receive aspirin plus either daily clopidogrel (75 mg) or placebo. Patients with established indications for clopidogrel (e.g., recent coronary syndrome) were excluded. During a median follow-up o…