The use of acetylsalicylic acid in patients with IHD
A critical area of clinical practice is prevention of cardiovascular events and related fatalities in patients with various manifestations of atherosclerosis. The interrelation of atherogenesis and thrombus formation justifies administration of chronic antithrombotic thera­py. The leading role in prevention of atherosclerotic complications belongs to antiplatelet drugs, among which acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is still considered highly effective. The ASA treatment provides considerable reduction of cardiovascular complications in IHD patients, which has been demonstrated in numerous studies and reflected in current clinical guidelines. Progressive nature of atherosclerosis development warrants long-term ASA treatment, and this dictates high requirements to the safety profile and tolerability of ASA drugs. Special ASA forms are focused on minimizing gastrointestinal side effects and complications. A combination of ASA and a non-absorbing antacid, magnesium hydroxide, is represented in Russia by an only drug, Cardiomagnyl, which has demonstrated efficacy and a high safety profile.