Cardioprotective Background Therapy
Module 7 · Visual Summary
Three Pillars of Cardioprotection
Platelet Inhibition
Antiplatelet Therapy
- Aspirin: irreversible cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition
- Clopidogrel: blocks P2Y12 receptor
- Reduces plaque rupture thrombosis risk
Cholesterol Reduction
Statins
- Inhibits hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase
- Increases low-density lipoprotein receptor expression
- Benefit tracks with low-density lipoprotein reduction
System Inhibition
Renin-Angiotensin Inhibitors
- Reduces blood pressure and remodeling
- Especially valuable with reduced ejection fraction
The Chapter's Closing Lesson
Optimal Medical Therapy
In stable coronary artery disease, optimal medical therapy alone produces death and myocardial infarction outcomes comparable to adding percutaneous coronary intervention. Revascularization provides better and faster symptom relief, but not a mortality advantage over medical therapy in most stable patients.