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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
[Anti-platelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes]
Insights
Understanding acute coronary syndromes (ACS) involves recognizing atherothrombosis. Long-term anti-platelet therapy is key for secondary prevention, with a focus on optimizing current treatments rather than developing new ones.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) share a common pathophysiological basis in atherothrombosis.
- This involves endothelial dysfunction, plaque instability, and thrombus formation.
- Atherogenesis and thrombogenesis are closely interrelated, necessitating long-term antithrombotic strategies.
Purpose:
- To review the underlying mechanisms of ACS and the role of anti-platelet therapy.
- To evaluate the necessity for novel anti-platelet agents in ACS management.
- To emphasize optimizing existing therapeutic approaches.
Summary:
- ACS manifestations stem from atherothrombosis, characterized by endothelial dysfunction, plaque issues, and thrombus.
- Long-term antithrombotic therapy, particularly anti-platelet drugs, is crucial for secondary prevention.
- Current evidence suggests focusing on deeper understanding and consistent application of existing therapies for ACS treatment.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of understanding atherothrombosis in ACS.
- Suggests current anti-platelet therapies are sufficient if applied correctly.
- Advocates for improved clinical selection and adherence to existing treatments for better ACS outcomes.
Abstract:
The basis for different manifestations of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is a common anatomical substrate represented as dysfunction of endothelium, chronic inflammation and impairment of the surface of atherosclerotic plaque, slowdown of blood flow and forming of intravascular thrombus (atherothrombosis). Close interrelation between the processes of atherogenesis and thromb formation makes reasonable application of long-term anti-thrombotic therapy aimed at secondary prevention of cardio-vascular complications. The leading role in prevention of atherosclerosis is given to anti-platelet drugs that inhibit the function of platelets. Analysis of the results of numerous clinical trials demonstrated that probably there is no need in developing anti-platelets of new generation in order to achieve success in treatment of ACS. It would be reasonable to achieve deeper understanding of the pathologic process and be more insistent in selecting the therapy.
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