Drug prophylaxis for arterial thromboembolism--1981
S. Wessler
Recent multicenter clinical trials using platelet-suppressive agents for
the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction have yielded inconclusive
results, although some of the data suggest possible benefits. For transient
ischemic attacks, after carotid artery surgery has been eliminated as an
option, aspirin is the drug of choice for men; for women, and for men in
whom aspirin fails, warfarin sodium should be considered. Warfarin is
indicated after insertion of cardiac prosthetic disk valves, and if
systemic emboli occur, dipyridamole should be added. Patients with atrial
fibrillation should be treated prophylactically with coumarin agents, but
only if underlying organic heart disease is demonstrable.