Antiplatelet therapy guidelines state that around procedures you should

• A. Treat without interrupting medication
• B. Interrupt all antiplatelet therapy
• C. Switch to anticoagulants
• D. Proceed only if there is bleeding

Answer: (A)

Continuing antiplatelet therapy around procedures is typically the safest approach because stopping these medications can markedly raise the risk of thrombotic events, such as stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, or stroke, especially in patients with recent coronary intervention or high cardiovascular risk. The bleeding risk during many procedures can often be managed with local hemostasis or minor timing adjustments, rather than stopping antiplatelet drugs. Switching to anticoagulants isn’t routinely needed for standard procedures, and waiting for bleeding to push progression isn’t a prudent strategy. So the guideline generally recommends treating without interrupting antiplatelet therapy, unless there is a specific, compelling bleeding risk that requires modification.