Genetics in Anti-Platelet Treatment

Anti-platelet drugs are necessary in treating patients with coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke and peripheral arterial disease. However, despite the use of adequate anti-platelet therapy, some patients will experience a recurrent atherothrombotic vascular event. These patients are characterized as low- or non-responders to therapy. Individual responsiveness to anti-platelet therapy as the use of clopidogrel and/or aspirin varies widely among patients. Such an individual variability is mainly determined by environmental and genetic factors. In this review, we focused on the underlying genetic mechanisms that might influence response to anti-platelet drugs.