Acute coronary syndromes
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Resident Survival Guide |
Acute Coronary Syndrome Chapters |
AHA/ACC Guidelines for Acute Coronary Syndrome |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]; Tarek Nafee, M.D. [3]; Sabawoon Mirwais, M.B.B.S, M.D.[4]
Synonyms and keywords: ACS
Overview
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to any group of symptoms attributed to obstruction of the coronary arteries. The most common symptom prompting diagnosis of ACS is chest pain, often radiating to the left arm or angle of the jaw, pressure-like in character, and associated with nausea and sweating. Acute coronary syndrome usually occurs as a result of one of three problems: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (30%), non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (25%), or unstable angina (38%). These types are named according to the appearance of the electrocardiogram. There can be some variation as to which forms of myocardial infarction (MI) are classified under acute coronary syndrome. ACS should be distinguished from stable angina, which is chest pain which develops during exertion and resolves at rest. New onset angina however should be considered as a part of acute coronary syndrome, since it suggests a new problem in a coronary artery.Though ACS is usually associated with coronary thrombosis, it can also be associated with cocaine use. Cardiac chest pain can also be precipitated by anemia, bradycardias or tachycardias.
Historical Perspective
Classification
- Traditionally, ACS has been classified into:
- According to this classification, unstable angina was defined as clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG) evidence of myocardial ischemia in the absence of an elevated troponin level.
- However, the widespread use of the high-sensitivity troponin assays made UA and NSTEMI indistinguishable since it was shown that almost all patients previously named UA actually have increased high-sensitivity troponin levels.
- In other words, it is very unlikely that patients with clinical and ECG evidence of myocardial ischemia have normal high-sensitivity troponin levels.
- Consequently, in recent guidelines, acute coronary syndrome is classified into two broad categories:
Pathophysiology
For more information on atherosclerotic plaque, click here.
The pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes depends on coronary atherosclerotic plaque which includes:
Initiation and Progression of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque
- The endothelium of coronary arteries are damaged by the risk factors resulting in endothelial dysfunction, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque.
- The macrophages in the atherosclerotic plaque release matrix metalloproteinases, leading to plaque disruption.
- The balance between smooth muscle cells and macrophages in the plaque plays a major role in plaque vulnerability and the propensity to rupture.
Plaque Vulnerability
The plaque vulnerability depends on the following factors:[1]
- Inflammation (A high density of macrophages and T-lymphocytes are marker of unstable atherosclerotic plaque)
- Large lipid core
- Locally increased matrix metalloproteinases that degrade collagen
- Thin fibrous cap
- Relative paucity of smooth muscle cells
- Increase in plaque neovascularity and plaque hemorrhage
- Eccentric outward remodeling
The pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome depends on:
- Endothelial integrity
- Inflammation
- Thrombogenicity of the blood
Following plaque rupture or endothelial erosion, the subendothelial matrix is exposed to the circulating platelets, which get activated leading to thrombus formation. Two types of thrombi can form:
- White clots: Platelet-rich clots which partially occludes the artery
- Red clots: Fibrin rich clots superimposed on white clots and cause total occlusion of the artery
Causes
Differentiating Xyz from other Diseases
- Diagnosis of ACS is initiated by a clinical suspicion based on a thorough history of the patient's symptoms.
- Subsequently, confirmatory tests should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, identify the specific cause of ACS, or to rule out other possible differentials.
- In some circumstances, utilizing a clinical prediction tool may be beneficial in guiding the clinician's diagnosis.
- View the page on diagnosis using the clinical prediction rule for ACS for more detail.
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) may be differentiated from other diseases as follows:
Organ System | Diseases | Presentation | Diagnostic Tests | Past Medical History | Other Findings | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest Pain | GI Symptoms | Pulmonary | Neck | |||||||||||||||||||||
On Palpation | On inspiration | Radiating to Extremeties | Radiating to Back | With Movement | Nausea or Vomitting | Epigastric Pain | Odynophagia or Dysphagia | Shortness of Breath | Jugular
Distention |
Cardiac Biomarkers | CBC Findings | ESR | D-Dimer | EKG
Findings |
CXR Findings | DM | Hyperlipidemia | Obesity | Trauma | Inxn* | Htn | |||
Cardiovascular | Acute Coronary Syndrome | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | •Palpitations | |||||||||||
Aortic Dissection | + | + | + | - | + | + | - | + | •Pain maximal upon onset •Pain difficult to treat with opiates
•Weak pulse in one arm compared to other •Symptoms similar to stroke | |||||||||||||||
Brugada Syndrome | No chest pain | + | •Syncope
•ST-segment elevation •F/H of sudden cardiac death | |||||||||||||||||||||
Takotsubo carditis | Sudden onset of chest pain mimicking myocardial infarction | + | + | + | + | + | - | •Extreme emotional or physical stress•syncope
•Women>men •ST segment elevation •Left ventricular apical ballooning on echo •Normal coronary arteries | ||||||||||||||||
Pericarditis | + | + | + | •Relieving factor: Sitting up and leaning forward
•Aggravating factor: Lying down and breathing deep |
+ | + | + | + | + | + | + | •Other causes:Malignancy, autoimmune disorders, chest trauma | ||||||||||||
Organ System | Diseases | Presentation | Diagnostic Tests | Past Medical History | Other Findings | |||||||||||||||||||
Chest Pain | GI Symptoms | Pulmonary | Neck | |||||||||||||||||||||
On Palpation | On inspiration | Radiating to Extremeties | Radiating to Back | With Movement | Nausea or Vomitting | Epigastric Pain | Odynophagia or Dysphagia | Shortness of Breath | Jugular
Distention |
Cardiac Biomarkers | CBC Findings | ESR | D-Dimer | EKG
Findings |
CXR Findings | DM | Hyperlipidemia | Obesity | Trauma | Inxn* | Htn | |||
Pulmonary | Pleuritis (pleurisy) |
+ | + | + | + | •Aggravating factor: Deep breathing | + | + | + | + | + | + | •Other causesPulmonary embolism, malignancy, autoimmune diseases | |||||||||||
Pulmonary Embolism | + | •Aggravating factors: Deep breathing, coughing, eating, bending and stooping | + | + | + | •Other causes: Immobility, pregnancy, oral contraceptive pills | ||||||||||||||||||
Pneumonia | + | + | + | + | + | + | •Complications: Sepsis, ARDS, Lung abscess | |||||||||||||||||
Gastrointestinal | GERD | + | + | + | •Other symptoms: Hoarseness, Dry cough at night, Sensation of lump in throat etc | |||||||||||||||||||
Esophageal Spasms | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | • Risk factors: Anxiety or depression and drinking wine, very hot or cold foods | ||||||||||||||||
Esophagitis | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | • Causes: Hiatal hernia, infection, medications, radiation therapy | ||||||||||||||||
Gastritis | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | • Causes: H.pylori infection, bile reflux, alcohol use, alcohol use | ||||||||||||||||
Organ System | Diseases | Presentation | Diagnostic Tests | Past Medical History | Other Findings | |||||||||||||||||||
Chest Pain | GI Symptoms | Pulmonary | Neck | |||||||||||||||||||||
On Palpation | On inspiration | Radiating to Extremeties | Radiating to Back | With Movement | Nausea or Vomitting | Epigastric Pain | Odynophagia or Dysphagia | Shortness of Breath | Jugular
Distention |
Cardiac Biomarkers | CBC Findings | ESR | D-Dimer | EKG
Findings |
CXR Findings | DM | Hyperlipidemia | Obesity | Trauma | Inxn* | Htn | |||
Musculoskeletal | Muscle sprain/Spasm | + | + | + | + | • Causes: Over use, dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities | ||||||||||||||||||
Costochondritis | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | • Risk factors: Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome | ||||||||||||
Rib fracture/Trauma | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | • Complications: Pneumothorax, hemothorax, surgical emphysema | |||||||||||||
Psychiatry | Anxiety (Panic Attack) | Chest tightness | + | + | • Other symptoms: Palpitations, trembling, sweating, choking, light headed, hot or cold flashes. |
The following table summarizes the significant history, and diagnostic test findings that will help differentiate the acute coronary syndromes from one another, as well as from other coronary artery diseases:
Acute Coronary Syndromes | History and Symptoms | Pathology | Diagnostic tests | Treatment | Complications | Prognosis | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest pain | Duration of Chest pain | Coronary Artery | Plaque | Cardiac Biomarkers (e.g.CK-MB, Troponins) |
EKG Findings | Medical Therapy | Reperfusion (e.g. PCI, CABG, or Medical) | ||||
At Rest | Exertion | ||||||||||
Unstable Angina | + | + | <30 minutes | Partial occlusion | Erosion
or (39%) |
Normal | •Normal EKG findings (some cases)
|
+ | •Arrhythmias
•MI •Sudden death |
•1 year mortality rate is 1.7% | |
NSTEMI | + | + | >30 minutes | Partial or complete occlusion | Rupture
(56%) or Erosion |
Elevated | •No EKG findings (some cases)
|
+ | + | •Arrhythmias
•Sudden death |
•1 year mortality rate is 24.4%
•30 day mortality rate is about 2% |
STEMI | + | + | >30 minutes | Complete occlusion | Rupture
(50%-75%) or Erosion |
Elevated | •ST elevation in at least 2
contiguous leads in V2-V3
two precordial leads V1-V4
leads plus ST elevation in lead aVR (suggestive of occlusion of the left main or proximal LAD artery)
|
+ | + | •Reinfarction
interventricular septum and LV free wall •Sudden death |
•30 day mortality rate is
1.1% in <45 yrs and 20.4% in >75 yrs patients |
Other Coronary Artery Diseases | |||||||||||
Chronic stable angina | - | + | ≤ 5 minutes | Severely narrowed | Stable plaque | Normal | •Normal EKG in 50% of cases
•Down sloping, up sloping or horizontal ST segment depression •T wave inversion |
+ | •Heart failure | •Estimated annual mortality rate is 0.9%-1.4%
•Annual incidence of non-fatal MI between 0.5%-2.6% •1 year mortality rate is 1.3% | |
Prinzmetal's angina | •Occur at rest
(Mid night to early morning) •Not associated with exertion |
5-30 minutes | Coronary artery vasospasm | - | Normal | •Transient ST segment elevation | + | •Arrhythmias
•MI |
•5 year survival is excellent (90%-95%) |
Differential Diagnoses of Acute Coronary Syndromes in the Setting of Chest Pain
Cardiac | Pulmonary | Vascular | Gastrointestinal | Orthopedic | Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Myopericarditis
Cardiomyopathiesa |
Pulmonary embolism | Aortic dissection | Esophagitis, reflex or spasm | Musculoskeletal disorders | Anxiety disorders |
Tachyarrhythmias | (Tension)-Pneumothorax | Symptomatic aortic aneurysm | Peptic ulcer, gastritis | Chest trauma | Herpes zoster |
Acute heart failure | Bronchitis, pneumonia | Stroke | Pancreatitis | Muscle injury/inflammation | Anemia |
Hypertensive emergencies | Pleuritis | Cholecystitis | Costochondritis | ||
Aortic valve stenosis | Cervical spine pathologies | ||||
Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy | |||||
Coronary spasm | |||||
Cardiac trauma | |||||
Bold = Common and/or important differential diagnoses
aDilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathies may cause angina or chest discomfort |
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Common risk factors in the development of acute coronary syndrome are:[2]
- Age (men >45 and women >55)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of heart disease
- History of HTN, DM and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic study of choice | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | X-Ray Findings | Echocardiography and Ultrasound | CT-Scan Findings | MRI Findings | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Interventions | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
=
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice History and Symptoms Physical Examination Laboratory Findings Electrocardiogram X-ray Echocardiography or Ultrasound CT scan MRI Other Imaging Findings Other Diagnostic Studies
- Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome needs a combination of:
- careful history
- physical examination
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- serum markers of myocardial injury
- According to the 2014 ACC/AHA guidelines for managing Non-ST-elevation ACS, clinical assessment and initial evaluation of patients with suspected ACS should include risk stratification based on the likelihood of ACS as well as adverse clinical outcomes. These assessments would help for the decision on the need for hospitalization and guide in choosing appropriate treatment strategies.
- In all patients with suspected ACS these two questions should be answered:
- 1) What is the likelihood that this patient is having ACS?
- The likelihood that symptoms and signs represent an ACS can be assessed according to the table below.
- 1) What is the likelihood that this patient is having ACS?
"The likelihood that Signs and symptoms reflect an underlying ACS"
Feature | High
(Any of the Following) |
Intermediate
(Absence of High-Likelihood Features and Presence of Any of the Following) |
Low
(Absence of High- or Intermediate-Likelihood Features but May Have the Following) |
---|---|---|---|
History |
|
|
|
Physical examination |
|
|
|
ECG |
or
|
or
|
|
Cardiac markers |
|
|
|
- 2) What is the likelihood of adverse clinical outcome(s) in this patient?
- Several risk assessment scores and clinical prediction algorithms have been used to identify patients who are at high risk of developing adverse outcomes.
- These risk scores and algorithms use an integration of clinical history, physical examination findings, ECG, and cardiac troponins.
- The most common risk assessment tools include:
- TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) risk score
- PURSUIT (Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in Unstable Angina: Receptor Suppression Using Integrilin Therapy) risk score
- GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) risk score
- NCDR-ACTION (National Cardiovascular Data Registry-Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) registry (https://www.ncdr.com/webncdr/action/).
- 2) What is the likelihood of adverse clinical outcome(s) in this patient?
- The following risk scores have been designed to specifically assess patients presenting to the ED with chest pain:
- Sanchis score
- Vancouver rule
- Heart (History, ECG, Age, Risk Factors, and Troponin) score
- HEARTS3 score
- Hess prediction rule
- The following risk scores have been designed to specifically assess patients presenting to the ED with chest pain:
Symptoms
The symptoms of acute coronary syndrome include:
- Chest discomfort described as:
- pain
- pressure
- tightness
- burning.
- In contrast to the pain described in stable angina as deep, poorly localized retrosternal chest discomfort that is reproducible with activity or emotional stress and relieved promptly (within less than 5 minutes) by rest and/or short-acting nitroglycerin, ACS patients tend to experience the episodes that are more severe and prolonged, may occur at rest, or may be precipitated by less exertion than the patient's previous experiences.
- Pain frequently radiates to the left arm, left shoulder, back, jaw, neck, or epigastric region
- Some patients may not have chest pain and present with other symptoms, known as "anginal equivalents", including:
- Dyspnea (most common)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diaphoresis
- Unexplained fatigue
- Syncope may be a rare presentation of ACS.
The following features are usually in favor of the non-ischemic nature of pain:
- Pleuritic pain: sharp or stabbing pain increased in intensity by respiration or cough
- Pain reproduced with movement or palpation
- Pain which can be localized by the tip of 1 finger
- Brief episodes of pain (lasting a few seconds)
- Pain with maximal intensity at onset
- Primary or the only location of pain in the middle or lower abdomen
- Pain radiating to lower extremities
Treatment
Medical Therapy
- The management of non-ST-elevation (NSTE) acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is presented here.
- For more information on the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction, click here.
- Standard Medical Therapies in NSTE-ACS include the following:
Oxygen
- No benefit has been shown for routine supplemental oxygen administration in NSTE-ACS patients with normal arterial oxygen saturation.
- Supplemental oxygen should be administered to with NSTE-ACS patients who have:
- Arterial oxygen saturation less than 90%
- Respiratory distress
- Other high-risk features of hypoxemia
(Class I, Level of Evidence: C)
Anti-Ischemic and Analgesic Medications
1) Nitrates
- Sublingual nitroglycerin (every 5 minutes for up to 3 doses) should be administered to patients with NSTE-ACS with continuing ischemic pain (Class I, Level of Evidence: C).
- After 3 doses of sublingual nitroglycerin, patients should be assessed for the need for intravenous nitroglycerin.
- Intravenous nitroglycerin is indicated for NSTE-ACS patients with persistent ischemia, HF, and hypertension. (Class I, Level of Evidence: B)
- Nitrates are contraindicated in NSTE-ACS patients who recently received a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, especially within 24 hours of sildenafil or vardenafil, or within 48 hours of tadalafil (Class III, Level of Evidence: B).
2) Analgesic therapy
- In patients with continued ischemic chest pain despite receiving maximally tolerated anti-ischemic medications, intravenous morphine sulfate can be administered (Class IIb, Level of Evidence: B).
- Due to the increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (except aspirin) should not be initiated and should be discontinued during hospitalization for NSTE-ACS (Class III, Level of Evidence: B).
3) Beta Blockers
- Oral beta-blockers should be initiated within the first 24 hours in NSTE-ACS patients, in the absence of any of the following: (Class I, Level of Evidence: A)
- 1) Signs of heart failure
- 2) Evidence of low-output state,
- 3) Increased risk for cardiogenic shock, including:
- Patients >70 years of age
- Heart rate >110 beats per minute
- Systolic BP <120 mm Hg
- Late presentation
- 4) Other contraindications to beta-blockers, such as:
- PR interval >0.24 second
- Second- or third-degree heart block without a cardiac pacemaker
- Active asthma or reactive airway disease
- In the absence of active bronchospasm, chronic obstructive lung disease or asthma are not considered contraindications of beta-blocker therapy.
- In these patients, beta-1 selective beta-blockers are preferred and should be initiated at a low dosage.
- In patients with concomitant NSTE-ACS, stabilized HF, and reduced systolic function, beta-blocker therapy should be continued with any of: (Class I, Level of Evidence: C)
- sustained-release metoprolol succinate
- carvedilol
- bisoprolol
- These beta-blockers have been shown to reduce mortality in patients with heart failure.
- In NSTE-ACS patients with normal LV function, beta-blocker therapy can also be continued (Class IIa, Level of Evidence: C).
4) Calcium Channel Blockers
Recommendations for Calcium Channel Blockers in Non-ST-elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes | ||
---|---|---|
Recommendations | Class
of Recommendations |
Level
of Evidence |
In patients with NSTE-ACS, continuing or frequently recurring ischemia, and a contraindication to beta-blockers, a nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) (eg, verapamil or diltiazem) should be given as initial therapy in the absence of clinically significant LV dysfunction, increased risk for cardiogenic shock, PR interval greater than 0.24 second, or second- or third-degree atrioventricular block without a cardiac pacemaker. | I | B |
Oral nondihydropyridine calcium antagonists are recommended in patients with NSTE-ACS who have recurrent ischemia in the absence of contraindications, after appropriate use of beta blockers and nitrates. | I | C |
CCBs† are recommended for ischemic symptoms when beta blockers are not successful, are contraindicated, or cause unacceptable side effects. | I | C |
Long-acting CCBs and nitrates are recommended in patients with coronary artery spasm. | I | C |
Immediate-release nifedipine should not be administered to patients with NSTE-ACS in the absence of beta-blocker therapy. | III: Harm | B |
† Short-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers should be avoided. |
5) Other Anti-Ischemic Interventions
- Ranolazine
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) Counterpulsation: In NSTE-ACS patients with severe persistent or recurrent ischemia despite receiving intensive medical therapy IABP counterpulsation may be used, in particular in patients awaiting invasive angiography and revascularization.
Lipid-lowering therapy
In the absence of contraindications, high-intensity statin therapy should be initiated or continued in all patients with NSTE-ACS, I, regardless of baseline LDL cholesterol levels. (Class I, Level of Evidence: A).
Inhibitors of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
Recommendations for Inhibitors of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Non-ST-elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes in Non-ST-elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes | ||
---|---|---|
Recommendations | Class of Recommendation | Level of Evidence |
ACE inhibitors should be started and continued indefinitely in:
, unless contraindicated. |
I | A |
ARBs are recommended in patients with HF or MI with LVEF less than 0.40 who are ACE inhibitor intolerant. | I | A |
Aldosterone blockade is recommended in:
|
I | A |
ARBs are reasonable in other patients with cardiac or other vascular disease who are ACE inhibitor intolerant. | IIa | B |
ACE inhibitors may be reasonable in all other patients with cardiac or other vascular disease. | IIb | B |
Initial Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients With Definite or Likely NSTE-ACS
- Initial oral and intravenous antiplatelet therapy in patients with definite or likely NSTE-ACS (treated with an initial invasive or ischemia-guided strategy) can be done with:
- Initial parenteral anticoagulant therapy in patients with definite NSTE-ACS can be done with:
Summary of Recommendations for Initial Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients With Definite or Likely NSTE-ACS and PCI | |||
---|---|---|---|
Recommendations | Special considerations | Class of Recommendations | Level of Evidence |
Aspirin | |||
Non–enteric-coated aspirin to all patients promptly after presentation | 162 mg-325 mg | I | A |
Aspirin maintenance dose continued indefinitely | 81 mg/d-325 mg/d | I | A |
P2Y12 inhibitors | |||
Clopidogrel loading dose followed by daily maintenance dose in patients unable to take aspirin | 75 mg | I | B |
P2Y12 inhibitor, in addition to aspirin, for up to 12 mo for patients treated initially with either an early invasive or initial ischemia-guided strategy: |
|
I | B |
P2Y12 inhibitor therapy (clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor) continued for at least 12 mo in post–PCI patients treated with coronary stents | N/A | I | B |
Ticagrelor in preference to clopidogrel for patients treated with an early invasive or ischemia-guided strategy | N/A | IIa | B |
GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors | |||
GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor in patients treated with an early invasive strategy and DAPT with intermediate/high-risk features (eg, positive troponin) | Preferred options are eptifibatide or tirofiban | IIb | B |
Parenteral anticoagulant and fibrinolytic therapy | |||
SC enoxaparin for duration of hospitalization or until PCI is performed |
|
I | A |
Bivalirudin until diagnostic angiography or PCI is performed in patients with early invasive strategy only |
|
I | B |
SC fondaparinux for the duration of hospitalization or until PCI is performed | 2.5 mg SC daily | I | B |
Administer additional anticoagulant with anti-IIa activity if PCI is performed while patient is on fondaparinux | N/A | I | B |
IV UFH for 48 h or until PCI is performed |
|
I | B |
IV fibrinolytic treatment not recommended in patients with NSTE-ACS | N/A | III: Harm | A |
Ischemia-Guided Strategy Versus Early Invasive Strategies
NSTE-ACS (Definite or Likely) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ischemia-guided strategy | Early invasive strategy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Initiate DAPT and Anticoagilant Therapy:
1. ASA 2. P2Y12 inhibitor (in addition to ASA):
3. Anticoagulant
| Initiate DAPT and Anticoagilant Therapy:
1. ASA 2. P2Y12 inhibitor (in addition to ASA):
3. Anticoagulant
4. Can consider GPI in addition to ASA and P2Y12 inhibitor in high-risk (e.g., troponin positive) patients
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Therapy effective | Therapy Ineffective: If the patient has ANY of the following findings, pharmacologic therapy is considered ineffective: ❑ Refractory angina, OR | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PCI with stenting: Initiate/continue antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy
1. ASA 2. P2Y12 inhibitor (in addition to ASA):
3. GPI (if not treated with bivalirudin at the time of PCI):
High-risk features, adequately treated with clopidogrel 4. Anticoagulant: Enoxaparin bivalirudin Fondaparinux as the sole anticoagulant UFH | CABG: Initiate/continue ASA therapy and discontinue P2Y12 and/or GPI therapy
1. ASA 2. Discontinue clopidogrel/ticagrelor 5d before, and prasugrel at least 7d before elective CABG 3. Dicontinue clpidogrel/ticagrelor up to 24h before urgent CABG May perform CABG<5d after clopidogrel/ticagrelor and <7d after prasugrel discontinued 4. Discontinue eptifbatide/tifofiban at least 2-4 h before and abciximab >=12h before CABG | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Late hospitalization/post-hospital care:
1. ASA indefinitely 2. P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel or ticagrelor), in addition to ASA, up to 12 mo if medically created 3. P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor), in addition to ASA, up to 12 mo if treated with coronary stenting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography within 12 hours likely benefits high risk (elevated cardiac biomarkers at baseline or diabetes or a GRACE score more than 140) patients.
Recommendations for Anti-ischemic Drugs in the Acute Phase of Non-ST-elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
Recommendations | Class
of Recommendations |
Level
of Evidence |
---|---|---|
Early initiation of beta-blocker treatment is recommended
in patients with ongoing ischemic symptoms and without contraindications. |
I | B |
It is recommended to continue chronic beta-blocker therapy,
unless the patient is in Killip class III or higher. |
I | B |
Sublingual or i.v. nitrates are recommended to relieve angina;a intravenous treatment is recommended
in patients with recurrent angina, uncontrolled hypertension or signs of heart failure. |
I | C |
In patients with suspected/confirmed vasospastic angina, calcium channel blockers and
nitrates should be considered and beta-blockers avoided. |
IIa | B |
aShould not be administered in patients with recent intake of sildenafil or vardenafil (< 24 h) or tadalafil (< 48 h). |
Prevention
Primary Prevention
The primary prevention strategies include:
- Dietary modifications:
- Regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats
- Limit foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats
- Physical exercise
- 30 minutes of moderate exercise
- Weight loss
- Smoking cessation
- Regular blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol check
Secondary Prevention
The secondary prevention strategies include:
- Dietary modifications
- Regular blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol check
- Compliance with therapy for post acute coronary syndrome event
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs
References
- ↑ Sukhova GK, Schönbeck U, Rabkin E, Schoen FJ, Poole AR, Billinghurst RC; et al. (1999). "Evidence for increased collagenolysis by interstitial collagenases-1 and -3 in vulnerable human atheromatous plaques". Circulation. 99 (19): 2503–9. PMID 10330380.
- ↑ Fuster V, Badimon L, Cohen M, Ambrose JA, Badimon JJ, Chesebro J (1988). "Insights into the pathogenesis of acute ischemic syndromes". Circulation. 77 (6): 1213–20. PMID 3286036.