Optimum Treatment Strategy in Chronic Coronary Syndromes: the New Trials vs the Current Guidelines

Abstract

Coronary revascularization is one of the most studied types of interventions in cardiology, but there is no consensus among specialists about the indications for its implementation in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). The data of recently completed clinical trials on the role of revascularization in CCS clearly contradict the current Guidelines, emphasizing the high effectiveness of modern conservative therapy. This paper discusses the main recommendations of the most significant American and European Guidelines on myocardial revascularization, and also analyzes the appropriateness of revascularization to improve the prognosis and symptoms in chronic coronary syndromes in view of the new research data, primarily the ISCHEMIA study (NCT01471522). Its strengths and limitations are discussed in detail. The data on the expediency of revacularization in CCS, obtained after the completion of ISCHEMIA and its potential significance, as well as subgroup analyses of ISCHEMIA, including in the most important ‘problem’ subgroups (3-vessel disease, proximal LAD disease, severe ischemia on stress test, etc.) are discussed. The paper also discusses the important achievements in modern drug therapy of chronic coronary syndromes, primarily antithrombotic therapy. The data of the COMPASS study (NCT01776424) are discussed, based on which the addition of a second antithrombotic drug – rivaroxaban in a small dose (2.5 mg BID) – is recommended for patients with CCS without atrial fibrillation who have high-risk characteristics. Indications the administration of dual antithrombotic therapy to patients with CCS, comparative results of its various regimens in relation to the prevention of cardiovascular complications, the risk of bleeding and the net clinical effect are given.