Clopidogrel in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

Platelets play a central role in the pathophysiology of arterial thrombosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Aspirin is superior to placebo in preventing mortality and ischemic events in patients with ACS. Clopidogrel, when added to aspirin and given daily for up to 1 year, reduces cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke by 20% in patients presenting with ACS. The benefits of long term therapy with clopidogrel are …