antiplaateetilised

Antiplaateetilised, also known as antiplatelet agents or antiplatelet drugs, are a class of medications that prevent blood clots from forming. They work by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, which are small, disc-shaped cells in the blood that play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets adhere to the site of injury and clump together, forming a platelet plug. This plug serves as a foundation for a more stable blood clot.

Antiplatelet agents interfere with this process in various ways. Some, like aspirin, irreversibly inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which is essential for the production of thromboxane A2, a potent platelet activator. Others, such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, are P2Y12 inhibitors. They block the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its receptor on the platelet surface, thereby preventing platelet activation and aggregation.

These medications are primarily used to prevent thrombotic events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in individuals with or at risk of cardiovascular disease. They are often prescribed after procedures like angioplasty and stenting, or in patients who have experienced a previous heart attack or stroke. While effective in reducing the risk of blood clots, antiplatelet agents also increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, their use requires careful consideration of the individual patient's risk factors and potential benefits. The choice of antiplatelet agent, dosage, and duration of therapy are typically determined by a healthcare professional based on the specific clinical situation.