As per a new research in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, genetic testing for CYP2C19 mutations can be used to guide anticoagulant treatment after stent placement.

Patients with the mutations who received 1 of 2 clopidogrel alternatives compared to clopidogrel were more than 3 times less likely to die or have a myocardial infarction, stroke or other major complications 12 months after treatment. Major complications occurred among 27% of patients taking clopidogrel with the genetic mutations, compared to 8% of patients with the mutations who received the alternative medications. Clopidogrel is less effective in patients with mutations on CYP2C19 gene, than in patients without the mutations.

This study has significant implications for patients in our country, where out of pocket expenditure on health is amongst the highest in the world. India also has a very high incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Using the right anticoagulant may prevent restenosis and ensuing complications. Hence, this genetic test should be recommended by cardiologists.