Final answer:
Patients with PAD may be prescribed aspirin or dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel to prevent clotting, especially those at increased risk for coronary artery disease. Aspirin can have side effects and should be taken under physician guidance. Other treatments include lifestyle changes and cholesterol and blood pressure medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) may be prescribed antiplatelet drugs as a preventive measure to manage their condition. Aspirin is a common antiplatelet that may be recommended either alone or in combination with other drugs, such as Clopidogrel, to form what is known as dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). While aspirin alone can decrease the risk of myocardial infarction, it does not change the overall risk of death, and therefore, is only recommended for adults at increased risk of coronary artery disease. On the other hand, DAPT with Clopidogrel plus aspirin is particularly beneficial for those who have had a stent placed or have suffered from a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction).
It is important to note that aspirin can lead to side effects, such as increasing the risk of ulcers or causing easy bruising, especially in those with bleeding disorders. Therefore, patients should always consult a physician before starting an aspirin regimen. In addition to antiplatelet therapy, lifestyle changes and medications such as statins to reduce cholesterol, and blood pressure-lowering medications like Candesartan, an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker, may also be prescribed as part of the comprehensive treatment for PAD.