Unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: perspectives on combination therapy.

We reviewed recent clinical data on the management of unstable angina and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. We concentrated on the use of new therapies, particularly in combination with both older agents and other new methods, in order to present health care providers with an overview of available treatment options. The clinical trials reviewed herein provide strong evidence and proof of principle that combination therapies targeting 1) platelet function (aspirin, thienopyridines, and GP IIb/IIIa antagonists), 2) the coagulation cascade (unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin), and 3) the physical characteristics of the active lesion (percutaneous intervention) reduce the risk of death or ischemic complications after thrombotic progression of coronary atherosclerosis.