ABSTRACT
Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) possess several advantages over unfractionated
heparin (UFH) for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Already a class
I indication for the treatment of unstable angina/non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
(UA/NSTEMI), LMWHs also show promise in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction
(STEMI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Moreover, a growing body of
evidence has demonstrated equivalent safety of LMWH with concomitant use of glycoprotein
IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Larger clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety and
efficacy of LMWH as an antithrombin for the treatment across the spectrum of ACS.
KEYWORDS
Low-molecular-weight heparin - unstable angina - myocardial infarction