Introduction The heart pumps blood and the channels through which it flows are the blood vessels, which ultimately allow the organs of the body to receive oxygen and nutrients so that they can function properly. Blood has a complex composition with many substances in addition to oxygen and nutrients, including a flaky cellular fragment called a platelet. Platelets have important functions, for example, when a finger is cut, platelets are deformed and stick to each other to form a blood clot, thus stopping bleeding. Platelets can also form clots in blood vessels, sometimes as a normal reaction, and sometimes to block blood flow to the heart vessels, resulting in reduced blood supply, reduced oxygen supply, and ultimately damage to the heart. Anti-platelet therapy is a medical term that refers to the application of drugs to block platelets, thereby preventing the formation of dangerous blood clots. Dual antiplatelet therapy refers to the simultaneous application of two different platelet-blocking drugs, usually used after a myocardial infarction or after stenting to keep the blood vessels open and prevent a myocardial infarction from occurring. The normal function of the heart The heart is responsible for pumping blood to the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the organs and allowing them to function properly. The heart itself also needs a supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. The coronary arteries are the ones that supply the heart with blood and thus with sufficient oxygen. This task is most easily accomplished when the body is resting or sleeping, but the increased demands of the body place greater demands on the coronary arteries. What can go wrong with the heart? In some people, the coronary arteries become narrowed due to plaque formation. As the plaque grows, blood flow decreases and the heart experiences an imbalance in supply and demand. Sometimes the plaque can rupture and the body can form a blood clot at the site of the rupture. Unfortunately, the clot does more harm than good and can further block the coronary artery and reduce its blood flow. If blood flow to the heart is suddenly interrupted, the heart muscle cells can die from lack of oxygen. This condition is called myocardial infarction. What role do platelets play? Platelets are one of the important components of blood. They are very small cell fragments that play an important role in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends a signal to recruit platelets to the damaged area and to adhere them to each other. A similar reaction occurs when a cholesterol plaque in a coronary artery ruptures, but the platelet adhesion forms a clot that can lead to myocardial infarction. Therefore it is vital to inhibit platelets to prevent platelets from forming clots on plaques or in stents and thus prevent myocardial infarction. How to block platelets? The most basic drug for blocking platelets is aspirin. Platelets have an enzyme that activates when a clot forms, releasing chemicals that cause platelets to adhere to each other. Aspirin inhibits this enzyme, thereby reducing platelet adhesion. However, some patients need stronger platelet inhibition, and after a myocardial infarction or after stenting, doctors often apply 2-in-1 drugs to block platelets. What is dual antiplatelet therapy? There are multiple pathways for platelet adhesion. Aspirin works by blocking an enzyme, while there are also receptors on the surface of platelets that, once activated, allow platelets to adhere and form clots. One class of drugs can block platelets by inhibiting specific receptors on the platelet surface. Drugs in this class are clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor. Dual antiplatelet therapy usually involves the application of aspirin plus one of these three drugs. Dual antiplatelet therapy can achieve stronger platelet inhibition than aspirin alone. Dual antiplatelet therapy reduces the likelihood of myocardial infarction by reducing the formation of thrombus at the site of coronary plaque rupture or stent implantation. Dual antiplatelet therapy is therefore very important for some patients with heart disease.