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High-risk Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Definition and Treatment

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Abstract

Introduction

Early risk stratification of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), unstable angina, or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction ensures patients receive appropriate care.

Materials and methods

Many risk-stratification models have been developed to identify high-risk ACS patients who would benefit most from an early invasive strategy and to determine patients at greater risk for bleeding complications. Although high-risk patients seem to benefit most from a combination of aggressive antithrombotic and early invasive therapies, stratification for risk of bleeding also helps in the choice and dosing of appropriate medical therapy.

Results

The effective use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, in particular, is dependent on accurate risk assessment, whereas the risk-to-benefit ratio of direct thrombin inhibitors in high-risk versus low-risk patients as part of an initial therapy plan requires clarification. Nevertheless, use of the same anticoagulant throughout the care pathway may reduce the rates of death or recurrent myocardial infarction, and bleeding complications.

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Acknowledgement

The author received editorial support in the preparation of this manuscript, funded by sanofi-aventis, NJ, USA. The author is fully responsible for content and editorial decisions for this manuscript.

Financial disclosure

Grant and research support: sanofi-aventis, Johnson & Johnson, and BMS. Speakers bureau: Merck, BMS, Schering, and sanofi-aventis. Consultant: Datascope and sanofi-aventis.

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  1. Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 201 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ, 07112, USA

    Marc Cohen

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Cohen, M. High-risk Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Definition and Treatment. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 22, 407–418 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-008-6120-0

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