Why low-dose aspirin remains an important antiplatelet in the management of chronic coronary syndromes.

Abstract

Introduction: Low-dose aspirin has been the cornerstone of single and dual antiplatelet treatment across the cardiovascular risk continuum. It has a well-established efficacy and safety profile, supported by large-scale, placebo-controlled trials as well as long-standing clinical experience. Low-dose aspirin has the highest recommendations in international guidelines for patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS), including a lifelong recommendation in patients post vascular interventions and those without prior myocardial infarction or revascularization but with evidence of significant obstructive coronary artery disease.P2Y₁₂ inhibitors - including clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel - have recently been explored as an alternatives to low-dose aspirin in patients with CCS, with various trials comparing their efficacy and safety to aspirin.

Areas covered: We reviewed the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of low-dose aspirin and P2Y₁₂ inhibitors, data from trials and meta-analyses, and factors that may influence adherence to therapy.

Expert opinion: The usefulness and generalizability of the current data on P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy are limited by a lack of large-scale, multicenter, multiethnic trials. Furthermore, P2Y₁₂ inhibitors lack the evidence for long-term safety and efficacy that are associated with low-dose aspirin. We feel that low-dose aspirin remains a cornerstone therapy in the management of patients with CCS.