Optimization of secondary prevention in patients with high-risk atherothrombotic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks

Abstract

High and very high risk atherothrombotic ischemic stroke (ATIS) includes patients with severe extracranial atherosclerosis, any intracranial atherosclerosis, and aortic arch atheromatosis. The article discusses the most effective approaches to medical short- and long-term secondary prevention of ATIS, major vascular events and death, based on the results of modern research and current clinical guidelines. Clinical studies of recent years have proven the possibility of individualization and intensification of secondary prevention of ATIS. In the treatment of high-risk patients, it is advisable to use more widely short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (combination of ASA with clopidogrel or ticagrelor), long-term dual antithrombotic therapy (combination of ASA and rivaroxaban at a dose of 2.5 mg twice a day not earlier than 30 days from the development of stroke or TIA) to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and death, as well as intensive lipid-lowering therapy (including the use of a combination of statins and ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors).