Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
[Antiplatelet therapy and anticoagulation in patients with coronary heart disease]
Insights
Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) require tailored antithrombotic therapy. Treatment strategies evolve from dual antiplatelet therapy in acute phases to monotherapy or anticoagulation in chronic phases, guided by risk factors and guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) presents acute and chronic phases, contributing to significant mortality.
- Effective management of CHD involves differentiated antithrombotic strategies tailored to disease phase and patient risk.
- Current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines distinguish between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of antithrombotic drug options for coronary heart disease.
- To outline therapeutic algorithms for ACS and CCS based on the latest ESC guidelines.
- To discuss the integration of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in CHD management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current ESC guidelines for antithrombotic therapy in CHD.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).
- Discussion of drug combinations, dosages, and treatment durations based on clinical scenarios and comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Initial ACS therapy typically involves acetylsalicylic acid and a P2Y12-inhibitor for 12 months.
- Post-ACS treatment options include aspirin monotherapy, prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy, or dual antithrombotic therapy with aspirin and low-dose rivaroxaban.
- For patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation is essential, transitioning to anticoagulant monotherapy in the chronic phase (CCS).
Conclusions:
- Antithrombotic therapy for CHD must be individualized, considering thrombotic risk, bleeding risk, and comorbidities like atrial fibrillation.
- Adherence to updated ESC guidelines ensures optimal antithrombotic management across different CHD phases.
- The strategic use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, including Xa-inhibitors, is crucial for improving outcomes in CHD patients.
Abstract:
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a dynamic process with acute instable events and chronic periods leading to an increased mortality. Patients with CHD benefit from a differentiated antithrombotic therapy consisting of dual antiplatelet therapy in the acute phase and antiplatelet monotherapy or in combination with low dose anticoagulation (Xa-Inhibition) in the chronic phase. Current ESC-guidelines differentiate the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Depending on thrombotic burden, bleeding risk, comorbidities, such as atrial fibrillation, antiplatelet agents and oral anticoagulants in various combinations and dosages are used. In most scenarios in patients with ACS, the initial therapy will consist out of acetylsalicylic acid and a P2Y12-Inhibitor for 12 months followed by either a continuous monotherapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), a prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy or a continuous dual antithrombotic therapy consisting of ASS and low dose rivaroxaban 2x daily. With atrial fibrillation as an underlying condition, an anticoagulant should be part of the therapy followed by anticoagulant monotherapy in the chronic phase of the disease (CCS). This article provides information about the different drugs and therapeutic algorithms based on the newest ESC-Guidelines and up to date studies.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
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...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Angina IV: Management
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...

