aspirin resistance

Epidemiology

• 10% of patients may be resistant to antiplatelet effects of aspirin

Laboratory

• tests for thromboxane metabolites in the urine (AspirinCheck, AspirinWorks)

Complications

• patients may be 3 times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease

Management

• consider switching to clopidogrel (Plavix)
• consider adding clopidogrel, warfarin or dipyridamole