Newer orally active antiplatelet agents: Do they have an edge over aspirin?

An extensive body of research conducted in the past 25 years has helped foster understanding of the mechanisms and pathogenesis of the acute coronary syndromes and occlusive disease. The role of platelet and the endothelium in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and subsequent ischemic events is well established. The filed of antiplatelet therapy is rapidly expanding with the availability of newer antiplatelet agents. However, at the present time, there is no convincing data available that other antiplatelet drugs are superior to aspirin. Aspirin remains the cornrstone of therapy for various ischemic disorders and the foundation on which other therapies are added, both in the short and long term