Current Role of Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract

Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) span the pathological continuum of unstable angina to non–Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI). Each year, in the United States alone, more than 1 million people die of a coronary event.¹ Recurrence of ischemic events is also common in this population, both during the index hospitalization and the subsequent 6 months. Thus, strategies to modify the natural history of ACSs are essential.