Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in the secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease

Abstract

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications play a major role in the secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease. Numerous trials have demonstrated their clinical benefits. Newer agents, such as clopidogrel, have challenged aspirin's role as the premier medication for secondary prevention. Much remains to be learned, however, about the merits of these different drug classes, relative to one another and in combination.