INTEGRATED PHARMACOLOGICAL STRATEGIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME AND ASSOCIATED CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS: FOCUS ON NITRATES, CYTOPROTECTIVE AGENTS, LIPIDLOWERING, AND ANTIARRHYTHMIC THERAPIES

Cardiovascular disease, especially acute coronary syndrome (ACS), arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome and rhythm disorders represent a common cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world. This article provides an overview of the pharmacologic profile, clinical use, and therapeutic aspects of nitrates, cytoprotective compounds, lipid-lowering agents and antiarrhythmic drugs. We explore the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and selection criteria of these drugs as well as their dosing regimens, monitoring recommendations, drug interactions and ways to minimize adverse effects. Particular attention is devoted to nitrate tolerance and its treatment as well as the increasing use of combination therapy for optimizing cardiovascular outcomes.