Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
[Platelet inhibitors from a cardiological viewpoint: evidence based therapy and new concepts for the acute coronary
1Innere Medizin, Abt. III, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg.
Insights
Platelet inhibitors are crucial for treating acute coronary syndromes by preventing clot formation. Recent advancements offer new strategies and drugs, addressing challenges like drug resistance in cardiology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Inflammation Biology
Context:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves vulnerable plaques triggering platelet activation and aggregation.
- Platelet inhibition is a cornerstone therapy for ACS management.
- Current treatment guidelines are frequently updated due to rapid advancements.
Purpose:
- To provide a cardiological perspective on clinical aspects and new developments in platelet inhibitors for ACS.
- To highlight progress in antiplatelet therapy, including novel drugs and strategies.
- To discuss challenges such as drug resistance associated with existing platelet inhibitors.
Summary:
- The pathophysiology of ACS is linked to inflammatory plaques that promote platelet activation and aggregation.
- Inhibiting platelet function is a primary therapeutic goal in ACS.
- Recent years have seen significant progress, including new drug regimens, therapeutic strategies, and innovative pharmacological principles, with some novel agents undergoing clinical trials.
- Increasing experience with current platelet inhibitors has identified shortcomings like drug resistance.
Impact:
- This review offers insights into emerging antiplatelet therapies for ACS.
- It addresses the clinical relevance of new developments and potential challenges in platelet inhibition.
- The information is valuable for cardiologists and researchers seeking to optimize ACS treatment strategies.
Abstract:
The pathophysiology of the acute coronary syndrome is related to a vulnerable, inflammatory plaque promoting activation and aggregation of platelets. Therefore, the inhibition of platelet function is a primary goal of the treatment of the acute coronary syndrome. In recent years this field has made substantial progress, which is reflected by frequently updated treatment guidelines. New dose regimens and therapeutic strategies, but also innovative pharmacological principles evolved recently. Some of these novel drugs are currently tested in clinical trials. Increasing experience with the currently used platelet inhibitors also revealed potential shortcomings of these substances, such as drug resistance. This review will give a cardiological perspective of some important clinical aspects and new developments in the field of platelet inhibitors.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Angina IV: Management
