Medical Therapy for Long-Term Prevention of Atherothrombosis Following an Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heightened predisposition to atherothrombotic events may persist for years. Advances in understanding the pathobiology that underlies this elevated risk furnish a mechanistic basis for devising long-term secondary prevention strategies. Recent progress in ACS pathophysiology has challenged the focus on single “vulnerable plaques” and shifted toward a more holistic consideration of the “vulnerable patient,” thus highlighting the primacy of medical therapy in secondary prevention. Despite current guideline-directed medical therapy, a consistent proportion of post-ACS patients experience recurrent atherothrombosis due to unaddressed “residual risk”: contemporary clinical trials underline the pivotal role of platelets, coagulation, cholesterol, and systemic inflammation and provide a perspective on a personalized, targeted approach. Emerging data sheds new light on heretofore unrecognized residual risk factors. This review aims to summarize evolving evidence relative to secondary prevention of atherothrombosis, with a focus on recent advances that promise to transform the management of the post-ACS patient.