Management of ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes in 2014

Abstract

The key of ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome management is timely reperfusion. It can be achieved with primary angioplasty or thrombolysis. The choice between these two techniques is based on the expected delay to achieve a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A potent antithrombotic therapy (combining antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs) must be associated with both reperfusion techniques. The antithrombotic association is in constant evolution. Other non-antithrombotic therapies are associated. For patients undergoing primary PCI, recent procedural evolutions such as the use of drug-eluting stents or radial approach have an impact on the overall patient management.