title: Prevention of premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery stents: a science advisory from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, American College of Surgeons, and American Dental Association, with representation from the American College of Physicians.
abstract: Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a thienopyridine has been shown to reduce cardiac events after coronary stenting. However, many patients and healthcare providers prematurely discontinue dual antiplatelet therapy, which greatly increases the risk of stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and death. This advisory stresses the importance of 12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy after placement of a drug-eluting stent and educating the patient and healthcare providers about hazards of premature discontinuation. It also recommends postponing elective surgery for 1 year, and if surgery cannot be deferred, considering the continuation of aspirin during the perioperative period in high-risk patients with drug-eluting stents.
authors.affiliation: William Beaumont Hospital.
authors.forename: Cindy L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Grines
authors.forename: Robert O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Bonow
authors.forename: Donald E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Lockhart
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Moliterno
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: O'Gara
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Whitlow
mesh_terms: D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003328:Coronary Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015607:Stents; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; C446540:thienopyridine; D001241:Aspirin