Comparing Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel on Microcirculation

Recently, data (PLATO) from an AstraZeneca study of platelet inhibition and patient outcomes, a Phase III pivotal efficacy and safety study with a duration of up to 12 months comparing ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily dosing to clopidogrel 75 mg once daily dosing in acute coronary syndrome patients on ASA background, have demonstrated superiority of ticagrelor over clopidogrel in the prevention of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. Currently, the mechanism for this mortality reduction remain uncertain. One hypothesis is a adenosine mediated theory that ticagrelor has been shown to enhance adenosine-induced vasodilation. Several experimental and clinical studies support the hypothesis that adenosine could reduce cardiac ischaemia reperfusion damage. Moreover, recent study has demonstrated that ticagrelor enhances adenosine-induced coronary vasodilatory responses in healthy humans. However, there are no available data on coronary circulation effects after chronic treatment of ticagrelor in patients with ACS who have altered resting coronary blood flow dynamics due to advanced coronary artery disease.