Low molecular weight heparin and atherosclerosis.
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has dramatically impacted the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease and acute coronary syndromes. Recent studies help define the role of these agents for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions and for patients treated with thrombolytic agents for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Recent studies also suggest potential usefulness of LMWH for patients with peripheral vascular disease and its limits of utility in stroke. This review summarizes the evidence about the use of LMWH in these clinical situations.
Hunt
Dan
D
Section of General Internal Medicine, Ben Taub General Hospital, 1504 Taub Loop, 2RM81-001, Houston, TX 77030, USA. danielh@bcm.tmc.edu
D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000188:drug therapy; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex