Use of the early invasive approach in the management of acute coronary syndromes

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2004 Jul;6(4):287-91. doi: 10.1007/s11886-004-0078-8.

Abstract

Large randomized clinical trials of early invasive versus conservative strategy in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS) have been published recently. These studies have clearly shown that intermediate and high-risk patients presenting with NSTE ACS have better outcomes when referred early to cardiac catheterization. Patients who are referred early to cardiac catheterization have a reduction of death, myocardial infarction, and recurrent ischemia, and also have shorter hospital stays. Guidelines recommend referral to cardiac catheterization for intermediate and high-risk NSTE ACS patients within the first 48 hours of presentation. Despite these recommendations, data from a large nationwide registry show that the majority of high-risk patients with NSTE ACS are not being managed with an early invasive strategy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angina, Unstable / therapy*
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*
  • Myocardial Revascularization
  • Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Assessment
  • Syndrome
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Tirofiban
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tyrosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Tyrosine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex
  • Tyrosine
  • Tirofiban