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A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Treatment options in unstable angina: a clinical update

K A Fox1, E M Antman

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University of Edinburgh, UK.

European Heart Journal
|October 28, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin offers a more effective treatment for unstable coronary artery disease than unfractionated heparin. This improved efficacy, particularly with a 1.0 mg/kg dose, persists post-treatment with fewer major hemorrhages.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Unstable coronary artery disease treatment commonly uses aspirin and intravenous heparin.
  • This standard treatment has a notable failure rate due to heparin and aspirin's properties.
  • Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) present theoretical and practical advantages over unfractionated heparin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of enoxaparin, a specific LMWH, compared to unfractionated heparin in treating unstable coronary artery disease.
  • To assess the long-term benefits and optimal dosage of enoxaparin.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical trials were conducted to compare enoxaparin with unfractionated heparin.
  • Enoxaparin was administered subcutaneously at 1.0 mg/kg every 12 hours for 2-8 days.
  • Different dosages of enoxaparin were assessed for efficacy and bleeding risk.

Main Results:

  • Enoxaparin (1.0 mg/kg every 12h) demonstrated significantly greater effectiveness than unfractionated heparin.
  • The therapeutic benefits of enoxaparin extended beyond the treatment period.
  • A dosage of 1.0 mg/kg every 12h showed efficacy comparable to higher doses but with a substantially reduced rate of major hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

  • Enoxaparin is a more effective treatment option for unstable coronary artery disease compared to unfractionated heparin.
  • The 1.0 mg/kg every 12h dosage of enoxaparin provides optimal efficacy with an improved safety profile, specifically lower bleeding risk.

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