An innovative advance in cardiovascular care
In a breakthrough that promises to transform the treatment of heart disease, a pioneering study has shown that ticagrelor, administered alone, outperforms the traditional combination of ticagrelor and aspirin in high-risk patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ).
Exceptional results
The results of the study, published in the prestigious journal ‘The Lancet’, are astonishing. By stopping aspirin one month after PCI and continuing with ticagrelor alone, patients experienced a 55% reduction in major bleeding, without any increase in adverse ischemic events.
This finding challenges the previous belief that discontinuing dual antiplatelet therapy would increase the risk of cardiac complications. However, the study shows that with modern drug-eluting stents, aspirin is no longer necessary and may in fact be harmful.
Benefits for high-risk patients
The study focused on high-risk patients with recent or threatened heart attack. These patients often require aggressive care to prevent future cardiac events.
The study results suggest that ticagrelor alone may be a safer and more effective option for these patients, reducing the risk of major bleeding without compromising protection against ischemic events.
Implications for clinical practice
The study findings have significant implications for clinical practice. Dr. Gregg W. Stone, co-chair of the study, believes it is time to review current guidelines and stop treating most ACS patients with dual antiplatelet therapy beyond one month after successful PCI.
Dr Stone says: ‘Treating these high-risk patients with a single strong platelet inhibitor such as ticagrelor will improve prognosis and reduce major bleeding, which can have life-threatening consequences.’
A path to better results
‘Ultimate-Dapt’ study paves the way to improve outcomes for patients with heart disease. By demonstrating the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor alone, the study provides a solid basis for reviewing current treatment practices and adopting a more personalized approach to cardiovascular care.
Patients and physicians can now feel more confident that ticagrelor alone can provide optimal protection against major bleeding, while ensuring prevention of adverse ischemic events.