Is clopidogrel effective in the prevention of secondary strokes in a 65-year-old man who recently suffered a stroke? Ischemic stroke is caused by the presence of a blood clot in an area. of the brain, leading to loss of neuronal function if it lasts more than 24 hours. In the United States, ischemic stroke affects 2.7% of men and 2.5% of women aged 18 and older. Furthermore, it has been reported that approximately 610,000 and 185,000 new cases of stroke and recurrent stroke occur each year in the United States1. Additionally, it has been reported that patients who have suffered a stroke are at increased risk of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death2. One of the risk factors for ischemic stroke is the formation of plaque in the blood vessels, causing a blood clot3. Several randomized trials have also reported that antiplatelet drugs are effective in preventing stroke recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke. Antiplatelet medications intended to prevent stroke recurrence include aspirin, a combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole, and clopidogrel alone4. It's ha...