Antiplatelet agents are medications that help prevent blood clots by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, which are small cell fragments in the blood. These agents are commonly used in patients at risk for cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, to improve blood flow and reduce the likelihood of clot formation.
Common examples of antiplatelet agents include aspirin and clopidogrel. These medications work by blocking specific receptors on the surface of platelets, thereby reducing their ability to stick together. Antiplatelet therapy is often prescribed after procedures like angioplasty or in patients with conditions such as coronary artery disease.
