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Low-molecular-weight heparins in the management of acute coronary syndromes

P J Zed1, J E Tisdale, S Borzak

  • 1CSU Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada. zed@interchange.ubc.ca

Archives of Internal Medicine
|September 24, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Low-molecular-weight heparins are effective treatments for acute coronary syndromes, offering advantages over traditional unfractionated heparin. This review evaluates their role in managing unstable angina and myocardial infarction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Thrombosis Management

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndromes stem from atherosclerotic plaque rupture, leading to thrombosis.
  • Aspirin and unfractionated heparin are standard treatments for acute coronary syndromes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and evaluate literature on low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) in acute coronary syndrome management.
  • To establish the therapeutic role of LMWHs in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of randomized controlled trials.
  • Evaluation of LMWHs versus unfractionated heparin in acute coronary syndromes.

Main Results:

  • LMWHs demonstrate equal efficacy to unfractionated heparin in thromboembolic processes.
  • Recent trials assess LMWHs specifically for unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

  • LMWHs present potential advantages over unfractionated heparin.
  • Further evaluation confirms the significant role of LMWHs in acute coronary syndrome therapy.

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