Affiliation:
1. First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
2. Hypertension Center STRIDE-7, Third Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital, 15772 Athens, Greece
Abstract
Lipid lowering, with the use of statins after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), is a cornerstone, well-established strategy for the secondary prevention of ischemic events in this high-risk cohort. In addition to the positive effect on lipid levels, statins have also been linked to improved atherosclerotic plaque characteristics, such as plaque regression and inflammation reduction, associated with the extent of reduction in LDL-C. The recent emergence of PCSK9 inhibitors for the management of dyslipidemia and the more extensive lipid lowering provided by these agents may provide better prevention for ACS patients when initiated after the ACS event. Several trials have evaluated the immediate post-ACS initiation of PCSK9 inhibitors, which has shown, to date, beneficial results. Furthermore, PCSK9 inhibitors have been linked with positive plaque remodeling and associated mortality benefits, which makes their use in the initial management strategy of such patients appealing. Therefore, in this review, we will analyze the rationale behind immediate lipid lowering after an ACS, report the evidence of PCSK9 inhibition immediately after the ACS event and the available data on plaque stabilization, and discuss treatment algorithms and clinical perspectives for the use of these agents in this clinical setting.