Non–ST-Elevation Acute CoronarySyndromes Flashcards
What is the Class I recommendation for patients with NSTE-ACS according to the 2014 AHA/ACC guideline?
Use of either clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel on top of aspirin
Class IIa indication for preferential use of ticagrelor or prasugrel over clopidogrel in patients undergoing PCI
What are the contraindications for prasugrel?
History of cerebrovascular accident or TIA, patients older than 75 years, or weighing <60 kg
No net clinical benefit in the latter two groups
Is adding ranolazine beneficial in NSTE-ACS patients with no anginal symptoms?
No benefit
Insulin is also the wrong choice as metformin can be uptitrated
What is the recommended maximum daily dose of metformin?
2,000 mg
Achieved maximal clinical effectiveness at this dose
Is short-acting nifedipine contraindicated in patients with NSTE-ACS?
Yes
It is contraindicated due to potential harm
What is the GRACE risk score used for?
To stratify patients into low, intermediate, and high risk of in-hospital and post-discharge 6-month mortality
Calculated using age, Killip class, systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine level, heart rate, ST-segment deviation, cardiac arrest at admission, and positive cardiac biomarkers level
What constitutes a high GRACE risk score?
GRACE risk score > 140
Indicates high risk despite absence of all components to calculate it
What is the best treatment strategy for a high-risk patient with NSTEMI?
Early invasive strategy within 12 to 24 hours
Supported by the TIMACS clinical trial
What is the difference between an immediate invasive strategy and a delayed invasive strategy?
Immediate invasive strategy is within 2 hours, while delayed is between 24 to 72 hours
Immediate reserved for patients with hemodynamic instability, heart failure, or refractory ischemia
What is the recommendation for elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction?
Invasive therapy is often underutilized despite higher risk and potential benefits
Elderly patients usually derive more benefit from evidence-based therapies
What medications are recommended for stabilized NSTE-ACS patients?
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel
- Ticagrelor
- Prasugrel
- Beta-blockers
- ACEI
- High-intensity statin therapy
These agents are part of anti-ischemic and antithrombotic therapy
What is the recommended long-term aspirin dose according to the 2016 ACC/AHA guideline update?
81 mg daily
Higher doses do not confer added ischemic benefits and increase bleeding hazards
What role do antioxidant vitamins and folic acid play in secondary prevention after NSTE-ACS?
No role
Not beneficial in secondary prevention
What is the significance of the CURE study?
Demonstrated the benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel compared to aspirin alone
Majority of subjects were medically treated NSTE-ACS patients
What is the duration of antiplatelet therapy recommended for patients with ACS?
12 months
Applies to both medically treated and PCI/stenting patients
What is the contraindication for prasugrel?
Prior TIA or stroke
Not recommended in these patients
What is the recommendation for ACE inhibitors in ACS patients?
Start and continue indefinitely in patients with LVEF < 40% and in those with hypertension, diabetes, or stable CKD
Unless contraindicated
What is the preferred antiplatelet agent in patients treated with stents?
Ticagrelor
Preferred over clopidogrel in these cases
What is the recommendation for bivalirudin in NSTE-ACS patients undergoing PCI?
Safer than heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors
Associated with lesser bleeding and similar efficacy
What is the impact of immediate-release nifedipine on blood pressure in NSTE-ACS patients?
Can cause a precipitous drop in blood pressure
Contraindicated due to harm
What should be done if a patient develops significant overt bleeding while on DAPT?
Discontinue P2Y12 inhibitor therapy after 6 months may be reasonable
Especially in high-risk bleeding patients
What is the recommended action for patients with recurrent ischemia after appropriate use of beta-blockers?
Use oral non-dihydropyridine calcium antagonists
Verapamil and diltiazem are recommended
What is the recommended dosage of atorvastatin for patients unless intolerance or drug–drug interaction exists?
80 mg
Atorvastatin is commonly used to manage cholesterol levels.