Heart attack drug debate: shorter may be safer
NCT ID NCT03252249
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at how long people who had a heart attack should take two blood-thinning medicines (aspirin plus a second drug). About 5,000 patients were randomly assigned to shorter or longer treatment. The goal was to find the best balance between preventing another heart attack and avoiding dangerous bleeding. Results help doctors decide the safest treatment length.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
5,094 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Dec 2018
- Finished
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Feb 2023
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥18 years * Clinical diagnosis of Type 1 myocardial infarction within 12 weeks * In the opinion of the attending clinician requires dual anti-platelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor antagonist * Resident in the country of recruitment with their unique health identifier * The attending clinician has equipoise regarding the duration of therapy * Provision of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Clear indication for specific duration of dual anti-platelet therapy * Type 2 myocardial infarction * Contraindication to aspirin or P2Y12 receptor antagonist * Non-resident in the country of recruitment * Previous recruitment into the trial * Inability or unwilling to give informed consent
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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