Summary

Since early studies showing that aspirin reduces the incidence of death and myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina [Wallentin LC. J Am Coll Cardiol 1991], there has been a search for more effective antithrombotic drugs. The ideal antiplatelet agent should minimize the risk of bleeding risk while maintaining ischemic protection. This article reviews several of the clinical trials that have lead to the paradigm shift in antiplatelet therapy.