In peripheral artery disease, which antiplatelet approach is recommended unless contraindicated?

In peripheral artery disease, which antiplatelet approach is recommended unless contraindicated?

• A. None
• B. Aspirin only
• C. Aspirin or Clopidogrel
• D. Clopidogrel only

Answer: (C)

In peripheral artery disease, lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and limb-threatening events is achieved with single-agent antiplatelet therapy. Either aspirin or clopidogrel effectively reduces these vascular risks, and guidelines consider either option acceptable as long as there’s no contraindication. Using both agents routinely does not provide extra benefit in stable PAD and increases bleeding risk, so it isn’t the standard approach. If a patient cannot take one, the other serves as a suitable alternative, keeping the therapy effective while avoiding the specific intolerance.

In peripheral artery disease, lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and limb-threatening events is achieved with single-agent antiplatelet therapy. Either aspirin or clopidogrel effectively reduces these vascular risks, and guidelines consider either option acceptable as long as there’s no contraindication. Using both agents routinely does not provide extra benefit in stable PAD and increases bleeding risk, so it isn’t the standard approach. If a patient cannot take one, the other serves as a suitable alternative, keeping the therapy effective while avoiding the specific intolerance.