Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What You Should Know

When your heart or arteries are at risk of clotting, dual antiplatelet therapy, a treatment using two different antiplatelet drugs to stop blood clots from forming. Also known as DAPT, it’s not just a routine prescription—it’s often life-saving after a heart attack, stent placement, or certain types of stroke. This isn’t about taking two pills because you’re confused. It’s a targeted strategy: one drug, like aspirin, stops platelets from sticking together in the first place, while another, like clopidogrel or ticagrelor, blocks a different pathway that makes platelets even more active. Together, they work harder than either could alone.

People who’ve had a stent put in their coronary artery are the most common candidates. Without DAPT, clots can form right on the metal mesh of the stent, causing another heart attack. Studies show that skipping even one dose increases that risk sharply. But it’s not just for stents. Some patients with severe blockages, recent strokes, or certain heart conditions also get it—even if they didn’t get a stent. The therapy usually lasts 6 to 12 months, but some high-risk cases need it longer. The big trade-off? Bleeding. You might bruise easier, bleed longer from cuts, or face serious internal bleeding during surgery or trauma. That’s why doctors don’t start it lightly. They weigh your risk of clotting against your risk of bleeding, and they adjust based on your age, kidney function, and other meds you’re taking.

Related to this are antiplatelet drugs, medications that reduce blood clotting by targeting platelets. Also known as blood thinners, though they’re not the same as anticoagulants like warfarin or apixaban, which work on different parts of the clotting system. And aspirin and clopidogrel, the most common combo in DAPT, used together for over two decades. Also known as the classic DAPT pair, they’re affordable, well-studied, and still the go-to for millions. But newer drugs like ticagrelor and prasugrel are replacing clopidogrel in many cases because they work faster and stronger—though they also carry higher bleeding risks. If you’re on DAPT, you’re also likely managing other conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes. That’s why so many of the posts here talk about drug interactions, kidney safety, and how to avoid side effects that make people quit their meds.

You’ll find real-world advice here on how to stay on track when side effects hit, what to do before surgery, how to handle missed doses, and how to talk to your pharmacist about alternatives. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. Your body, your history, your other meds—all of it matters. Whether you’re just starting DAPT or you’ve been on it for a year, the goal is simple: prevent another heart attack without putting you at risk of something worse. The posts below give you the facts you need to make smart choices, ask the right questions, and protect your health without guesswork.