Final answer:
The 'A' in ABCD HEADLINE NEWS stands for D) Antiplatelet therapy. This type of therapy involves medications like aspirin which prevent clot formation by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, and it is often used in conjunction with other antiplatelet drugs in cases of cardiovascular risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 'A' in the ABCD HEADLINE NEWS refers to D) Antiplatelet therapy, which is a medical intervention usually prescribed to prevent blood clots. Antiplatelet drugs, like aspirin, work by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, thus reducing the potential for clot formation. This type of medication is especially useful in patients who have atherosclerosis, where plaque buildup in the arteries is evident, but there is not yet a major obstruction.
Doctors often prescribe aspirin combined with another antiplatelet drug, a treatment known as dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), particularly after certain types of cardiac events such as a heart attack or the placement of a coronary artery stent. Although aspirin is effective for preventing heart attacks and strokes, it is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any aspirin regimen due to potential side effects.