Heart : official journal of the British Cardiac Society
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Review
Long-term antiplatelet therapy following myocardial infarction: implications of PEGASUS-TIMI 54.
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is standard treatment for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), typically comprising the use of aspirin with either an irreversible thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor, clopidogrel or prasugrel, or reversibly binding ticagrelor. Pivotal studies led to guidelines recommending DAPT for up to 12 months post-ACS. Despite this, there remains a significant burden of coronary artery disease (CAD)-related events up to and after this period. ⋯ Guidelines are emerging which reflect this. The relationship between aspirin and ticagrelor, particularly with regard to aspirin dosing, remains to be fully elucidated and attention has recently been turned to the option of ticagrelor monotherapy. Future studies will explore optimal individualised strategies for long-term antiplatelet therapy.