Indian heart journal
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Indian heart journal · Jan 2012
ReviewPlatelet adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists: ticlopidine to ticagrelor-a long continuing journey.
Platelet aggregation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis. Platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor antagonists (ticlopidine, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor) are a major advance in the treatment of atherothrombotic diseases, especially acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Ticlopidine was the first thienopyridine introduced into clinical practice, but its potentially serious haematological side-effects limited its use and it was quickly eclipsed by clopidogrel. ⋯ The data so far suggests that ticagrelor has a wider applicability in usage in patients with ACS as compared to prasugrel. Prasugrel however seems to be better tolerated. Search is on for newer more potent but safer anti-platelet agents.
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Indian heart journal · Jan 2012
ReviewPulmonary hypertension-"state of the art" management in 2012.
Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a pathological condition of small pulmonary arteries, characterised by vascular proliferation and remodelling. The pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance progressively rise, leading to right heart failure and death. Pulmonary artery hypertension may be secondary to various conditions, or it may be idiopathic where no underlying cause is identifiable. ⋯ However, over the years, improvement in understanding the pathogenesis has resulted in the development of targeted approaches to the treatment of PAH. Survival advantage has also been shown with some of the pharmacologic agents. This review article discusses the current management strategy for PAH with special emphasis on an idiopathic variety, in an Indian context.