title: Current status of antiplatelet agents to prevent stroke.
abstract: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability; most are due to atherothrombotic mechanisms. About one third of ischemic strokes are preceded by other stroke or transient ischemic attacks. Stroke survivors are at high risk for vascular events (i.e., cerebrovascular and cardiovascular). Prevention of recurrent stroke and other major vascular events can be accomplished by control of risk factors. Nonetheless, the use of antiplatelet agents remains the fundamental component of secondary stroke prevention strategy in patients with noncardioembolic disease. Currently, the uses of aspirin, clopidogrel, or aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole are valid alternatives for stroke or transient ischemic attack patients. To maximize the beneficial effects of these agents, the treatment should be initiated as early as possible and continue on a lifelong basis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, S169-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada. tsfield@dal.ca
authors.forename: Thalia S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: Oscar R
authors.initials: OR
authors.lastname: Benavente
mesh_terms: D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D004176:Dipyridamole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D004176:Dipyridamole; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D013988:Ticlopidine; D001241:Aspirin