Pohang

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of clopidogrel for preventing major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients who have subclinical coronary atherosclerosis detected by imaging but do not need revascularization therapy. This study focuses on primary prevention in these patients, who are at increased risk of heart attacks or cardiac death compared to those without coronary atherosclerosis. The study is a phase 4 interventional trial sponsored by Seoul National University Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will take clopidogrel 75mg once daily for at least five years. The other group will not receive any antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy for at least five years, unless medically needed during follow-up, in which case medication may be prescribed with reporting to the research board. This long-term treatment period aims to assess the prevention of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. During the study, participants will be monitored for major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and deaths, at two and five years after the last participant enrolls. Researchers will also track bleeding events and other clinical outcomes. Participants will provide informed consent and undergo assessments related to their cardiovascular health over the course of the study, which continues until the end date in 2031.