Secondary Prevention: Aspirin Combined With Dipyridamole Just As Effective As Clopidogrel; Endarterectomy Safer Than Angioplasty

Main Category: Stroke
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 23 Jun 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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In the area of secondary prevention as well - guarding against renewed events in patients who already suffered from a stroke or a TIA - Professor Ferro points to important new research: "In this patient population, the direct comparison between Clopidogrel and the combination of aspirin with extended release Dipyridamole did not reveal any difference between both strategies." Both approaches have proven to be slightly more effective than aspirin alone.
Another important strategy for secondary prevention is carotid surgery, which reduces the risk of recurrent disabling stroke or death in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis.

"Several trials have compared surgery and stenting," Professor Ferro notes. "They revealed a significantly higher risk of any stroke or death within 30 days after stenting."

Source
European Neurological Society