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The mystery of antiplatelet drugs: What ingredients do you know can reduce the risk of blood clots?
With the increase in cardiovascular diseases, antiplatelet drugs have received increasing attention as the main choice for preventing thrombosis. These drugs can reduce platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots, and are particularly important in the prevention of diseases such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.
Antiplatelet drugs can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and overall cardiovascular death.
Function of antiplatelet drugs
The main function of antiplatelet drugs is to interfere with the activation process of platelets and reduce their tendency to adhere. These drugs may reversibly or irreversibly inhibit platelet activation, thereby reducing their aggregation. According to different conditions, antiplatelet drugs are divided into many categories, including ADP receptor inhibitors, antiplatelet drugs, and other types of drugs.
Common antiplatelet drugs
The most representative antiplatelet drug is aspirin. It is often used as a single agent in patients with stable angina. For patients who are intolerant to aspirin, ADP/P2Y inhibitors can be used as an alternative. Other drugs, such as Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, and Ticagrelor, are also common choices.
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)
In high-risk patients, a combination of aspirin plus an ADP/P2Y inhibitor is often used to achieve greater efficacy than a single drug. This therapy is called dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, this therapy should be used with caution in lower-risk patients because it significantly increases the risk of major bleeding.
When considering antiplatelet therapy, clinicians need to balance the risk to the patient against the risk of bleeding from concomitant therapy.
Uses of antiplatelet drugs
Antiplatelet drugs are mainly used to prevent arterial thrombosis, especially in patients with special medical conditions. The treatment of these patients, such as stroke patients, cardiac surgery patients, and patients with coronary heart disease, will include antiplatelet drugs and thrombolytic therapy.
For those patients requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), dual antiplatelet therapy is usually required for at least one month.
Considerations in intraoperative management
Before surgery, antiplatelet therapy may increase the risk of bleeding, and discontinuation of the medication may lead to other thrombotic problems. Therefore, doctors need to evaluate the balance of risks between the two. According to a 2018 Cohrane review, continuing or discontinuing antiplatelet therapy has no substantial impact on mortality, major bleeding, or ischemic events during noncardiac surgery.
Antiplatelet drug management in dental care
Dentists should be aware of the effects of antiplatelet drugs on prolonging bleeding times. When planning dental treatments that may result in bleeding, the patient's bleeding risk needs to be assessed.
Food and drug interactions
Certain drugs and foods may enhance or weaken the effect of antiplatelet drugs, increase the risk of bleeding or reduce the protective effect of thrombosis. For example, certain herbs, such as St. John's wort and ginkgo, may have an antiplatelet effect.
Summary
In summary, antiplatelet drugs play an indispensable role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. With a better understanding of these medications, most patients can enjoy the benefits of these treatments while reducing their risks. However, the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient still relies on the evaluation and advice of a professional physician. Are you also wondering whether your lifestyle affects your risk of blood clots?
