Antiplatelet strategies for secondary prevention of stroke and TIA.

Stroke is a major public health issue, and stroke recurrence accounts for a quarter of all events. Antiplatelet therapy has been extensively studied for secondary stroke prevention and is established as effective in this high-risk population. Several agents have been evaluated in this setting, both in isolation and combination. The most widely used antiplatelet medications are aspirin, clopidogrel, and aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole. However, new agents and combinations continue to be evaluated. A detailed review of the evidence supporting various antiplatelet regimens for secondary stroke prevention is outlined with special focus on recent developments that may impact clinical management of patients with stroke or TIA.