A new study from the Cardiocentro Ticino Foundation has found that a group of medications called P2Y12 inhibitors may work better than aspirin in protecting people with heart disease from heart attacks and strokes. These drugs also seem to be safer when it comes to the risk of serious bleeding.
Aspirin has been used for a long time to prevent heart problems in people with conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Many people who have a type of heart disease called acute coronary syndrome are first treated with a combination of two medications: aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor like clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor.
This treatment is called dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). After finishing this initial treatment, most patients continue taking aspirin for the rest of their lives.
Earlier research suggested that clopidogrel, a type of P2Y12 inhibitor, might be slightly better than aspirin alone at reducing the risk of heart problems. This new study looked deeper into that idea.
The researchers studied 24,325 people who had coronary artery disease, a condition where the heart’s blood vessels become narrow or blocked.
They split the patients into two groups: one group took P2Y12 inhibitors, and the other group took aspirin. They then followed the patients for an average of about 1.5 years to see who had heart attacks, strokes, or bleeding problems.
The results were promising. People taking P2Y12 inhibitors had a 12% lower combined risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those taking aspirin. Most of this benefit came from a 23% lower risk of heart attacks.
In terms of safety, both groups had about the same chance of major bleeding. However, those on P2Y12 inhibitors had fewer cases of stomach bleeding and bleeding in the brain compared to those on aspirin. This means that the P2Y12 group may have had fewer serious side effects overall.
These findings suggest that P2Y12 inhibitors might be a better long-term option for people with coronary artery disease, especially for those who are more likely to have a heart attack. Unlike aspirin, which can sometimes cause bleeding in the stomach or brain, P2Y12 inhibitors offer similar protection with fewer of these complications.
While aspirin is still widely used and important in preventing heart problems, this new research could change how doctors treat patients after their initial therapy. The study’s lead author, Professor Marco Valgimigli, says this shows how important it is to tailor treatment to each patient’s needs.
If you or someone you care about has coronary artery disease, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor about these findings. This study brings new hope for safer and more effective ways to protect the heart and prevent serious health issues in the future.
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