ModuleDraft

Internist module: Antiplatelet vs anticoagulation after stroke (outpatient decision framework)

An internist-focused framework to understand why a patient is on antiplatelet vs anticoagulant therapy, how stroke mechanism drives decisions, and what questions to ask neurology/cardiology (no prescribing specifics).

ClinicianClinicianAdvanced30 minClinical (pro)

Educational only

Educational only — prescribing decisions require individualized risk/benefit analysis and guideline-concordant specialist input.

Get help now

For suspected stroke recurrence or major bleeding, activate emergency care.

Key takeaways

  • Map stroke mechanisms to typical antithrombotic strategies (conceptually)
  • Recognize red-flag combinations (dual therapy, triple therapy) requiring specialist alignment
  • Standardize documentation of indication + planned duration

Mechanism-first thinking

  • Cardioembolic
  • Large artery
  • Small vessel
  • Other

Therapy buckets

  • Antiplatelet
  • Anticoagulant
  • Combination scenarios

Safety

  • Bleeding risk
  • Falls
  • Procedures

Documentation

  • Indication
  • Duration
  • Follow-up owner

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 2 answered

Question 1

1. Documenting the indication and planned duration of antithrombotic therapy reduces errors during transitions of care.

Question 2

2. The first step in antithrombotic reasoning is usually…

References

  1. Tier 1
    AHA/ASA 2021 Secondary Prevention Guideline (antithrombotic sections)
  2. Tier 1
    AHA/ACC/HRS 2023 AF Guideline (context for anticoagulation in AF)