title: Role of antiischemic agents in the management of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).
abstract: Non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is the commonest acute presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD). Mortality and morbidity of the condition has improved substantially over the last few decades as a result of the cumulative effect of multiple interventions acting via different mechanisms. Despite a significant increase in the rate of coronary intervention, medical therapy continues to retain a central role in the treatment of NSTE-ACS particularly in frail patients where revascularization is inappropriate or when it is incomplete. Several antiischemic agents have been used in the treatment of the condition. Beta blockers are often the first-line choice with calcium channel blockers and nitrates being used as an alternative when beta blockers are contraindicated, or as an addition to achieve optimal symptom control. Newer agents, such as nicorandil, ivabradine, and ranolazine have also been used in refractory cases. Although most of these agents have been extensively studied in large randomized controlled trials in patients with stable CAD or ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (STE-ACS), the evidence supporting their use in NSTE-ACS is less clear cut. In this article, we review various drugs available for controlling ischemia and the latest evidence in support of their use in NSTE-ACS.
authors.affiliation: Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool, UK. moutazkad@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Moutaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El-Kadri
authors.forename: Hala
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sharaf-Dabbagh
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ramsdale
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents