ANTIPLATELET THERAPY .2.

We summarize current information about aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs in patients with cardiac and vascular disease. For each indicati on, we briefly summarize the rationale for the use of antiplatelet the rapy and describe the findings of relevant clinical trials. We propose recommendations for the use of these agents in clinical practice. In Part 2, we discuss the use of antiplatelet agents in coronary angiopla sty, atrial fibrillation, artificial cardiac valves, stroke, and perip heral vascular disease. In Part 1, we reviewed the use of antiplatelet therapy for the primary and secondary prevention of myocardial infarc tion, in conjunction with coronary thrombolysis, in patients with unst able and chronic stable angina, and following coronary artery-saphenou s vein bypass grafting.