[Platelet function inhibition and anticoagulation in coronary, cerebral and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. 2. Secondary prevention].

Primary prevention of arterial occlusive disease consists in the elimination of the risk factors. In the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction the inhibition of platelet aggregation by drugs seems to be useful. Anticoagulation seems to be of benefit for a limited period. There is a good effect of antiplatelet drugs in the treatment of asymptomatic stenosis of the carotid artery and in the prophylaxis of relapses of transient ischaemic attacks in the carotid system in males, but not in females. For peripheral arterial disease, we see an indication for long-term therapy with antiplatelet drugs. For severe stenoses in critical localization anticoagulation is primarily preferable. For the pre-and after-treatment of the percutaneous catheter recanalization antiplatelet drugs are superior. There seems to be a differential indication in the prophylaxis of thrombosis after vascular surgery: for antiplatelet drugs after endarteriectomy and for anticoagulation after bypass operation.