Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the most common causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from cardiovascular diseases are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD as a whole is a serious problem for the world’s population, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with high morbidity, mortality and a great financial burden on the health care system. This is an urgent situation in which diagnostic and treatment measures must be performed as soon as possible from the moment of onset of the disease. Diagnosis of ACS begins with a thorough clinical assessment of the patient’s symptoms, electrocardiogram and blood troponin levels, as well as a history of the disease. Key components in the treatment of ACS include coronary revascularization when indicated and prompt initiation of adequate antiplatelet therapy. The presented literature review is devoted to the problems of adequate antiplatelet therapy in patients with ACS.

Keywords

• acute coronary syndrome
• ste-acs
• nste-acs
• thrombosis
• antiplatelet therapy
• dual antiplatelet therapy (dapt)
• escalation
• de-escalation