Researchers find drug that is better than aspirin at preventing heart attacks

Researchers find drug that is better than aspirin at preventing heart attacks
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In a significant development that could reshape global heart disease treatment, a new study has found that the drug clopidogrel is more effective than aspirin at preventing heart attacks and strokes. According to an article from The Guardian, this discovery could lead to a worldwide transformation of health guidelines.

For decades, low-dose aspirin has been the standard recommendation for millions of people at risk of a serious cardiovascular event, as it helps make blood less “sticky.” However, a new comprehensive analysis of nearly 29,000 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) found that clopidogrel, a commonly prescribed blood thinner, was superior. The study, published in The Lancet and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid, found that patients on clopidogrel had a 14% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (including heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) compared to those on aspirin.

Crucially, the study also found that clopidogrel did not increase the risk of major bleeding, a serious and common side effect of blood thinners. The findings suggest that clopidogrel should be the preferred long-term antiplatelet medication for patients with stable CAD. The authors of the study noted that clopidogrel’s widespread availability, generic formulation, and affordability further support its potential for extensive adoption in clinical practice.