Volume 45, Issue 2 , Pages 139-156, September 2002
The role of low-molecular–weight heparin in cardiovascular diseases☆
Abstract
Unfractionated heparin continues to have important limitations in clinical practice. It has an inconsistent anticoagulant effect, needs frequent monitoring, and is inactivated by several plasma proteins. Low-molecular–weight heparins have a more predictable anticoagulant effect than unfractionated heparin, are easier to administer, and may not require monitoring. The anticoagulation effect of low-molecular–weight heparins is caused by a combination of inhibition of thrombin generation and inhibition of thrombin activity. Low-molecular–weight heparins have now been evaluated for a number of cardiovascular conditions and have been found to be safe and effective. We review and summarize the existing data regarding the use of low-molecular–weight heparins in cardiovascular diseases, including venous thromboembolism, percutaneous coronary interventions, and acute coronary syndromes such as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, Vol. 45, No. 2, (September/October) 2002: pp 139-156
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☆ Address reprint requests to Eric J. Topol, MD, FACC, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Chairman, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, F 25, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195.
PII: S0033-0620(02)70004-2
doi:10.1053/pcad.2002.127679
© 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Volume 45, Issue 2 , Pages 139-156, September 2002
