Atherosclerosis is a generalized disease with myocardial infarction, stroke and transient ischaemic attack as its most dangerous manifestations. Anti-platelet drugs play a basic part in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). In particular, anti-platelet therapy is important in patients who have undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The family doctor who takes care of such patients sometimes has doubts concerning the length of their management and side effects of the anti-platelet therapy. This article is a review of current guidelines on the management of such cases and contains some practical clues concerning anti-platelet drugs.