The clinical efficacy and safety of antiplatelet agents vary among patients. Consequently, some patients are at increased risk of recurrent ischemic events during treatment. This interindividual variability can be a result of genetic variants in enzymes that play a role in drug metabolism. The field of pharmacogenomics explores the influence of these genetic variants on an individual’s drug response. Tailoring antiplatelet treatment based on genetic variants can potentially result in optimized dosing or a change in drug selection. Most evidence supports guiding therapy based on the CYP2C19 allelic variants in patients with an indication for dual antiplatelet therapy. In ticagrelor-treated or prasugrel-treated patients, a genotype-guided de-escalation strategy can reduce bleeding risk, whereas in patients treated with clopidogrel, an escalation strategy may prevent ischemic events. Although the clinical results are promising, few hospitals have implemented these strategies. New results, technological advancements, and growing experience may potentially overcome current barriers for implementation in the future.

Editors
Editor-in-Chief
Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, FACC 

CME Editor
Ragavendra R. Baliga, MD

Author
Aniruddha Singh, MD, FACC

Important Dates
Date of Release: September 9, 2024
Term of Approval/Date of CME/MOC Expiration: September 8, 2025