Ticagrelor acts as an antiplatelet medication, specifically targeting the P2Y12 receptor on platelets. By inhibiting this receptor, ticagrelor prevents platelet activation and subsequent aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of thrombotic events. This mechanism makes ticagrelor an essential therapeutic agent in managing conditions where abnormal blood clotting poses a substantial threat to health, such as in patients with a history of angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack).