Contemporary Antiplatelet Strategies in the Treatment of STEMI using Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Reperfusion therapy for patients presenting with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) involves primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and concomitant oral antiplatelet and intravenous antithrombotic pharmacotherapy. There is a conflict between the desire to reduce the time between first medical contact and coronary re-canalisation and achieving effective platelet inhibition with oral antiplatelet agents. This review outlines the currently available antiplatelet treatments, and their place within the therapeutic timeline of a patient presenting with STEMI. Additionally, we focus on current challenges associated with effective antiplatelet treatment, including acute stent thrombosis (AST), the effect of morphine, platelet function assessment and concomitant anticoagulant therapy.