Antiplatelet therapy--Part I.

We summarize current information about aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs in patients with cardiac and vascular disease. For each indication, we briefly summarize the rationale for the use of antiplatelet therapy and describe the findings of relevant clinical trials. We propose recommendations for the use of these agents in clinical practice. Part I covers the use of antiplatelet therapy for the primary and secondary prevention of myocardial infarction, coronary thrombolysis, unstable and chronic stable angina, and coronary artery-saphenous vein bypass grafts. In part II we review the use of antiplatelet agents in coronary angioplasty, atrial fibrillation, artificial cardiac valves, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.