Antithrombotic Therapy to Reduce Ischemic Events in Acute Coronary Syndromes Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Abstract

Antithrombotic therapy is essential in the prevention of periprocedural death and myocardial infarction during and after percutaneous coronary intervention. In the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), both platelets and the coagulation cascade play an important role. Therefore, periprocedural antithrombotic therapy is even more important in ACS than in elective PCI. The most used agents are aspirin, platelet P2Y12 blockers, platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers, and parenteral anticoagulants. The P2Y12 blockers must be continued at least 12 months. High-risk patients should be treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, especially those undergoing primary angioplasty for ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.