title: Antithrombotic therapy in acute coronary syndromes: guidelines translated for the clinician.
abstract: The use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy during the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has been associated with improvements in short- and long-term clinical outcomes, regardless of whether patients are managed conservatively or with acute coronary revascularization. Translating the existing evidence for selection of the most appropriate antithrombotic strategy has been summarized in available guideline recommendations. Given the breadth of antithrombotic recommendations across existing U.S. and European guidelines, synthesis of these recommendations for practicing clinicians who treat patients with ACS are increasingly desired. Providing a summary of the similarities across guidelines while noting the areas where divergence exists becomes an important facet in translating optimal antithrombotic management in ACS for the treating clinician. This review highlights the important aspects of clinical practice guidelines that practicing physicians should consider when selecting antithrombotic therapies to reduce ischemic risk while minimizing hemorrhagic risk across all ACS subtypes.
authors.affiliation: Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: S Michael
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gharacholou
authors.forename: Renato D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Lopes
authors.forename: Jeffrey B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Washam
authors.forename: L Kristin
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Newby
authors.forename: Stefan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005060:Europe; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors