Combination of Clopidogrel and Nicorandil Improves Post-Procedure Platelet Activation and Cardiac Function Impairment in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing PCI

Abstract Background Platelet aggregation is key to thrombosis after PCI surgery. The effects of nicorandil combined with clopidogrel on platelet activation and cardiac function injury in patients with ACS after PCI were examined. Methods 174 patients with ACS receiving PCI were equally divided into control group (taking clopidogrel before PCI) and active group (nicorandil and clopidogrel in combination before PCI). Measurement of CD62p, CD63p and PAR was done for reflecting platelet activation, BV, PV and PSV for hemodynamics, and LVEDD, LVESD, LVEF, BNP, MMP-9 and CK-MB for cardiac function. Results CD62p, CD63p, PAR, PV and BV levels decreased while PSV increased eminently at 24 h post-operation, whose changes in research group were greater than the control group. Postoperation, BNP and MMP-9 decreased while CK-MB increased in both groups, which were significantly lower in research group. The reduction of LVEDD and LVESD and the increase of LVEF were tested after operation, which were more prominent in research group. Patients in the nicorandil group had a better prognosis. Conclusion Pre-procedure combined application of nicorandil and clopidogrel in patients with ACS undergoing PCI can effectively reduce the platelet activation, contributing to the recovery of patients’ cardiac function after intervention.