Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What You Should Know

When your heart or arteries are at risk of a clot, dual antiplatelet therapy, a treatment that combines two different antiplatelet drugs to stop blood clots from forming. Also known as DAPT, it’s not just a routine prescription—it’s often a life-saving strategy after a heart attack, stent placement, or major stroke. This isn’t about taking two pills for good measure. It’s about using two different mechanisms to block platelets from sticking together, and doing it in a way that’s proven to cut the risk of another serious event by up to 50% in high-risk patients.

Most often, dual antiplatelet therapy means combining aspirin, a common over-the-counter drug that blocks the COX-1 enzyme to reduce platelet activity with clopidogrel, a prescription drug that stops ADP from activating platelets. Sometimes, doctors swap clopidogrel for ticagrelor or prasugrel—stronger, faster-acting options—but the goal stays the same: keep platelets quiet. These drugs don’t thin your blood like warfarin does. Instead, they stop your platelets from clumping. That’s why it’s so critical after a stent: a clot forming right on the metal mesh could block your artery again, and fast. The timing matters too. Most people take it for at least a year after a stent, sometimes longer if they’ve had a heart attack. But it’s not risk-free. Bleeding is the big concern—nosebleeds, bruising, even internal bleeding. That’s why doctors weigh the benefit against the danger every single time.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how these drugs interact with other medications, why some people don’t respond well to clopidogrel, and what to do if you need surgery while on DAPT. There’s also info on how aging affects how your body handles these drugs, and what happens when you mix them with things like NSAIDs or proton pump inhibitors. You’ll see real-world examples of how patients manage side effects, how doctors decide when to stop, and why skipping a dose can be dangerous. This isn’t theoretical. These are the decisions people face every day after a cardiac event. What you’ll read here isn’t just about the drugs—it’s about survival, balance, and knowing when to speak up to your doctor.