Background The gold standard for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events is low-dose antiplatelet treatment. Due to its advantageous antiplatelet qualities, aspirin has become a medication primarily used to prevent cardiovascular disease. The use of aspirin has been restricted due to its association with gastrointestinal (GI) damage, regardless of its therapeutic applications for which reasons clopidogrel is administered as a substitute. Treatment may be stopped if dyspeptic symptoms arise. The study aims to ascertain the frequency of dyspeptic symptoms in individuals on low-dose antiplatelet treatment for both primary and secondary cardiovascular event prevention in the southern part of Nigeria.

Method: The retrospective study included 291 patients’ demographic data (age, gender, antiplatelet therapy, and presenting GI effects) which were on Low-dose aspirin (LDA) and clopidogrel as antiplatelet therapy

Result: In the study, 52% of subjects were female and 45% were male, aged 16 to 94 (mean age: 55 ± 15.4 years). The majority (54.2%) fell within the 41–60 age group. Antiplatelet therapy included low-dose aspirin (27.5%) and clopidogrel (85.5%). 53.5% of subjects on clopidogrel had a medication history with the use of aspirin and 33% of subjects presented with dyspeptic symptoms which led to the use of clopidogrel instead of LDA. The remaining 13.5% of subjects reported dyspeptic symptoms on use. Dyspeptic symptoms observed included epigastric pain (26.46%), heartburn (14.43%), bloating (12.03%), and dark stools (6.87%). Dyspepsia was noted in 59.79%of patients on antiplatelet therapy in the study population.

Conclusion: Among patients on antiplatelet therapy, the high prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms emphasizes the importance of follow-up by monitoring and managing gastrointestinal side effects in these patients.