Clopidogrel, a common blood thinning drug, was found to be more effective than aspirin in preventing heart attacks and strokes, according to a major new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Madrid.
Its results are expected to influence health guidelines worldwide, as for decades the recommended method of preventing cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease has been a small daily dose of aspirin.
According to the analysis of seven clinical trials involving 29,000 patients, those who received clopidogrel had a 14% lower risk of serious cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke) compared to those who received aspirin.
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease (with more than 300 million patients worldwide) and one of the leading causes of death and disability globally.
At the same time, the rate of bleeding, one of the unwanted side effects of anticoagulant drugs, was similar. Both substances thin the blood, preventing clot formation.
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease and one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, with over 300 million people living with the condition. It occurs when the arteries of the heart narrow due to the buildup of atheroma, a fatty material in their walls. The pain or discomfort caused by this narrowing is called angina, and if a blockage occurs, it can lead to a heart attack.
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