Low-molecular-weight heparin and other antithrombotic agents in the setting of a primarily medical treatment of unstable coronary artery disease.

Antithrombotic treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) comprises aspirin and (low-molecular-weight) heparin. Adjunctive treatment with intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists may be used in high-risk individuals, especially when they undergo percutaneous coronary interventions. Results from large-scale trials studying the efficacy and safety of oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers in patients with ACS have been disappointing. Thrombolytic therapy is not indicated in ACS.