Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Open Access

Abstract

Has the Antiplatelet Therapy a Role in the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death?

Juan C Garcia-Rubira and Manuel Almendro-Delia

Coronary artery disease is a well-known cause of sudden cardiac death, and the key mechanisms are platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Furthermore, experimental studies have revealed that platelets have a direct influence on arrhythmic events. However, current antiplatelet therapy have failed to prevent sudden cardiac death in primary prevention trials, although a protective effect has been found in patients with advanced cardiovascular disease, reducing cardiac sudden death in this scenario.