[Secondary prevention with antiplatelet therapy in cardiac rehabilitation]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presents a significant long-term cardiovascular risk.
• Managing post-ACS patients requires careful consideration of ongoing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in managing long-term cardiovascular risk after ACS.
• To highlight the importance of individualized risk-benefit analyses in optimizing patient management.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent evidence regarding extended DAPT duration post-ACS.
• Analysis of the trade-offs between ischemic benefits and bleeding risks associated with prolonged DAPT.
• Emphasis on the need for repeated, individualized risk-benefit assessments.

Main Results:

• Recent evidence suggests a potential ischemic benefit from DAPT beyond 12 months.
• This prolonged therapy is associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications.
• Individualized patient factors are crucial in determining optimal DAPT duration.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing long-term management of ACS patients involves balancing ischemic protection and bleeding risk.
• Cardiovascular rehabilitation providers are essential in facilitating these individualized risk-benefit analyses.
• Personalized treatment strategies are key to improving outcomes for patients with a history of ACS.