Updates in Anti-anginal and Anti-ischemic Therapies for Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Acute coronary syndrome is a major health problem affecting ~ 1.5 million individuals a year in the USA. We review the contemporary role of anti-anginal and anti-ischemic therapies in the management of an individual presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. Early diagnosis and appropriate evidence-based therapies significantly improve clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients. Typically, acute coronary syndrome is associated with rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and either partial or complete thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery. Management of an acute coronary syndrome is targeted towards this underlying pathophysiology. The last few years have seen significant advances in anti-anginal and anti-ischemic therapies in the management of patients with acute coronary syndrome. It is important to have a team effort to target risk reduction measures and to emphasize medication and dietary compliance. Long-term pharmacotherapy should include aspirin, beta-blocker, DAPT (for at least 1 year), statins, and ACE inhibitors and PCSK9 inhibitors if indicated.