Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: A Pharmacotherapeutic Update for Antiplatelet Medications

Abstract

This update presents evidence for new antiplatelet therapies including modified P2Y₁₂ inhibitors and a new class of thromboxane antagonists. Discussed are emerging data on established antihyperlipidemic medications that support an additional antiplatelet effect. Current information about the effectiveness of several bleeding reversal agents is discussed, and the concept of personalized antiplatelet therapy, wherein selection of an antiplatelet therapy is based on genetic factors or laboratory testing that predict response to therapy and risk of adverse effects. Finally, future drug targets are introduced and drug interactions that can be leveraged to design more effective and safe antiplatelet therapies are described.

Keywords: Antiplatelet; Cardiovascular disease; Pharmacotherapy.