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Published on: March 15, 2022
Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndromes
Placido Maria Mazzone1, Marco Spagnolo1, Davide Capodanno1
1Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco" University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania 95123, Italy.
Insights
Managing chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) requires balancing antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and anticoagulation to prevent clots while minimizing bleeding risks. New strategies focus on optimizing treatment post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Current antithrombotic management for chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) involves dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and anticoagulation, with specific protocols post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
- Advancements in stent technology have reduced stent thrombosis risk, shifting focus towards minimizing bleeding complications.
- The impact of bleeding on patient prognosis is increasingly recognized, necessitating revised therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current European and American guidelines for antithrombotic therapy in CCS.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies for CCS management, particularly after PCI.
- To balance the need for ischemic event protection with the reduction of long-term bleeding risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing European and American guidelines for CCS management.
- Analysis of current antithrombotic strategies, including dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and anticoagulation protocols.
- Examination of investigational therapeutic strategies and their potential impact on ischemic and bleeding events.
Main Results:
- Established guidelines recommend specific DAPT durations and anticoagulation regimens for CCS patients.
- Newer strategies aim to optimize initial post-PCI treatment for ischemia prevention.
- Long-term management focuses on transitioning to safer antithrombotic regimens to reduce bleeding risk.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic strategies for CCS are evolving due to improved stent technology and a focus on bleeding risk.
- Balancing antithrombotic efficacy and safety is crucial for long-term patient outcomes.
- Investigational approaches hold promise for refining CCS management in the future.
Abstract:
The antithrombotic management of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) involves a 6-month course of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), followed by chronic aspirin therapy. In patients with a baseline indication for anticoagulation, a variable duration of triple antithrombotic therapy is administered, followed by dual antithrombotic therapy until the sixth month post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and ultimately a transition to chronic anticoagulation. However, advancements in stent technology reducing the risk of stent thrombosis and a growing focus on the impact of bleeding on prognosis have prompted the development of new therapeutic strategies. These strategies aim to enhance protection against ischemic events in the initial stages after PCI while mitigating the risk of bleeding in the long term. This article delineates the therapeutic strategies outlined in European and American guidelines for CCS management, with special attention to investigational strategies.
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