Appropriate invasive and conservative strategies for patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes
Sameer K Mehta1, James A de Lemos
1The Donald W Reynolds Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center and the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9047, USA.
Insights
This review examines recent advances in managing acute coronary syndromes, focusing on early invasive strategies for elderly patients, low-molecular-weight heparin use, and intensive lipid-lowering treatments. Evidence on these controversial topics is critically evaluated.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) management is evolving.
- Controversies exist regarding optimal treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in three controversial areas of ACS management.
- To evaluate evidence on early invasive strategies, low-molecular-weight heparin, and intensive lipid-lowering therapy in ACS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent clinical trials and evidence.
- Critical evaluation of data regarding specific treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Early invasive treatment may benefit high-risk elderly patients with ACS.
- The role of low-molecular-weight heparin in modern ACS management is under review.
- Contradictory results exist regarding early intensive lipid-lowering treatment post-ACS.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports evaluating early invasive strategies for high-risk elderly ACS patients.
- Controversies persist regarding low molecular weight heparin and intensive statin regimens in ACS care.
Purpose Of Review:
This review focuses on recent developments in three controversial areas of management of acute coronary syndromes.
Recent Findings:
There are potential benefits of an early invasive treatment strategy (routine cardiac catheterization and revascularization when appropriate) in the elderly, who are at high risk for adverse outcomes and treatment-related complications following acute coronary syndromes. There are developments in the role of low-molecular-weight heparin agents in management of acute coronary syndromes in the modern treatment era, in which early coronary revascularization and use of other potent antiplatelet and antithrombin agents are common. Finally, this review looks at emerging data and controversy regarding the effects of intensive lipid-lowering treatment early after acute coronary syndrome. Recent clinical trials have yielded contradictory results.
Summary:
This paper evaluates recent evidence in acute coronary syndromes regarding early invasive revascularization strategies in high risk elderly patients, and also discusses controversies regarding the role of low molecular weight heparin and intensive statin regimens.
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