Obesity and Antiplatelets-Does One Size Fit All?

Craig J. Beavers, Paula Heron, Susan S. Smyth, Jonathan A. Bain, Tracy E. Macaulay

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Antiplatelet therapy has become a cornerstone in the management of many vascular diseases. With growing antiplatelet options, attention has focused on their comparative effectiveness in specific patient populations. Perhaps one of the least defined factors influencing efficacy of these agents is body mass and obesity. Evidence from preclinical models established that obesity promotes inflammation that in turn enhances platelet reactivity. Thus, adiposity has the potential to diminish or alter the therapeutic effect of antiplatelet therapy. Pharmacodynamic analyses suggest a potential need for dose adjustments of antiplatelet therapy in obese patients. Yet, obese patients paradoxically have better outcomes after acute coronary syndromes. In this review, we identify a critical need for clinical studies with outcome data to enable the development of recommendations for optimal antiplatelet regimens in obese individuals. Until such data exists, healthcare providers should be aware of the potential impact of obesity on the efficacy of anti-platelet therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)712-716
Number of pages5
JournalThrombosis Research
Volume136
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Antiplatelets
  • Clopidogrel
  • Obesity
  • Platelets
  • Reactivity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology

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