Timing of dual antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndrome: a problem of coronary artery bypass grafting accessibility for patients

Abstract

The feasibility of dual antiplatelet therapy as early as possible in patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, where percutaneous coronary intervention is recommended, has been proven: it improves treatment outcomes by reducing the risk of adverse ischemic events, including stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction.This article provides a detailed analysis of the evidence data and current recommendations on the validity and timing of dual antiplatelet therapy for acute coronary syndrome. The emphasis is made on the controversy regarding the early dual antiplatelet therapy in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. The rationale for using dual antiplatelet therapy only after coronary angiography and determining the revascularization strategy is described, which should increase the accessibility of coronary artery bypass graft surgery for patients.