Antithrombotic therapy in acute coronary syndromes

Current therapy of acute coronary syndromes (i.e., unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, Q-wave myocardial infarction) consists of thrombolytic, anti-platelet, and anti-coagulant therapy. In most cases of acute coronary syndromes, the pathogenesis is a mural thrombus formation on a ruptured or eroded atherosclerotic plaque. Both platelets and thrombin play an essential role in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes. Aspirin and heparin are essential treatments for patients with acute coronary syndromes. Novel thrombin and platelet inhibitors have been developed and demonstrated useful effects for improving both acute and long-term clinical outcomes in acute coronary…