Final answer:
The initial drug therapy for ACS typically includes aspirin and nitroglycerine, with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) using clopidogrel plus aspirin for specific cases. Statins, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers may also be prescribed. More intensive interventions may be required for severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial drug therapy for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) utilizes a combination of medications aimed at stabilizing plaques, preventing further clot formation, and improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Primary treatments include antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin to help break up clots, as well as nitroglycerine to facilitate vasodilation and improve blood flow.
For certain patients, particularly those with an ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or those who have had a stent placed, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), consisting of clopidogrel plus aspirin, is prescribed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events more effectively than aspirin alone. Additionally, other medications, such as statins for cholesterol reduction, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers, may be used to manage ACS. In more severe cases or for long-term treatment, further interventions like angioplasty with stent placement or bypass surgery may be necessary.