A large clinical trial comparing clopidogrel against dual antiplatelet therapy in high-risk patients has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.
The New England Journal of Medicine has published findings from the A-CLOSE trial, a study examining which blood-thinning (antiplatelet) treatment works better for patients at high risk of a further heart attack or stroke. The trial compared clopidogrel — a single antiplatelet drug widely used in the NHS — against dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), which combines two separate blood-thinning medicines.
The journal posted details of the research on its official account, linking to the full paper alongside coverage from the European Society of Cardiology Congress, one of the largest annual cardiology gatherings in the world.
Antiplatelet medicines work by stopping blood cells called platelets from clumping together and forming clots. Doctors prescribe them after events such as a heart attack, stroke, or the fitting of a coronary stent. The question of whether one drug or two offers better protection — without raising bleeding risk — has been an active area of research for some years.
The full trial data and conclusions are available in the published paper. Kent residents with questions about their own antiplatelet medication should speak to their GP or call NHS 111 rather than adjusting treatment based on media reports.
—
For health advice: Call NHS 111 or contact your GP surgery. In an emergency, dial 999.Source: @NEJM
Blood Thinning Drug Study Published in Major Medical Journal Quiz
5 questions