However, further research is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel and to inform potential updates to clinical guidelines, which could significantly impact treatment practices globally.

The research, which analyzed data from seven clinical trials involving nearly 29,000 patients, found that those taking clopidogrel experienced a 14% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those on aspirin.

Importantly, the study showed that rates of major bleeding were similar between the two groups, indicating no increased bleeding risk with clopidogrel.

Clopidogrel is also more affordable, costing less than 4p per day compared to aspirin’s 2.5p per tablet, and is widely available as a generic medication.

These findings challenge the longstanding recommendation of aspirin as the default lifelong treatment for CAD, which affects over 300 million people worldwide.

Experts, including Professor Bryan Williams from the British Heart Foundation, suggest that these results could influence prescribing practices, favoring clopidogrel over aspirin for certain heart disease patients.

A recent study published in The Lancet and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid suggests that the blood thinner clopidogrel may be more effective than aspirin in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Clopidogrel’s superior efficacy was consistent across various patient subgroups, including those with poor responsiveness to the drug and those who had undergone procedures like stent placement.

Given that coronary artery disease affects 2.3 million people in the UK, and current treatment often involves lifelong aspirin use despite limited evidence of its long-term safety and benefit, this new evidence could lead to a shift in standard care.

The study’s findings are based on data from seven clinical trials involving nearly 29,000 patients, with roughly equal numbers receiving clopidogrel and aspirin.

Both medications showed similar rates of major bleeding, alleviating concerns about increased bleeding risks with clopidogrel.