Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. Antiplatelet aggregation is considered as the effective treatment for atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. Ticagrelor is a novel P2Y12 receptor antagonist, which has the advantages as rapid onset, strong effect, no need for liver metabolism activation and reversible platelet inhibition. Studies have confirmed that ticagrelor has a better therapeutic effect on ischemic stroke patients who are resistant to clopidogrel; especially in dual antiplatelet therapy, patients used ticagrelor have lower stroke risk and severe hemorrhage risk does not increase in these patients. This article reviews the recent advances in mechanism of ticagrelor and its application in acute ischemic stroke, with the aim of providing references for clinical application of ticagrelor.

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. Antiplatelet aggregation is considered as the effective treatment for atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. Ticagrelor is a novel P2Y12 receptor antagonist, which has the advantages as rapid onset, strong effect, no need for liver metabolism activation and reversible platelet inhibition. Studies have confirmed that ticagrelor has a better therapeutic effect on ischemic stroke patients who are resistant to clopidogrel; especially in dual antiplatelet therapy, patients used ticagrelor have lower stroke risk and severe hemorrhage risk does not increase in these patients. This article reviews the recent advances in mechanism of ticagrelor and its application in acute ischemic stroke, with the aim of providing references for clinical application of ticagrelor.