Complexity of Antiplatelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2021 Jan;21(1):21-34. doi: 10.1007/s40256-020-00414-0.

Abstract

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with acute coronary syndrome or undergoing coronary stenting are indicated to treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) combining aspirin with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. The management of patients with CAD who present with a complex clinical profile due to multiple comorbidities, and/or undergoing complex interventional procedures, remains challenging as a high risk for both ischemic and bleeding events is often present; hence, the risk-benefit balance on the optimal DAPT duration is difficult to evaluate. The complexity of antiplatelet therapy in CAD patients is due to the fact that this complexity embraces several aspects: the coronary anatomy, the number of vascular districts at risk for atherothrombosis, and patient comorbidities, including global frailty. Recent randomized and epidemiological studies have highlighted subgroups that could benefit from prolonged antithrombotic treatment, as well as frail patients, who may be better suited to a shorter course of therapy. We provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding treatment with DAPT, along with suggestions on its management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aspirin / administration & dosage
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / epidemiology
  • Coronary Artery Disease / surgery
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Multiple Chronic Conditions / epidemiology
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists
  • Aspirin