PCSK9 Inhibitors: Is the Time Ripe for the "Fast Track" Use Independently on the LDL-C Baseline Values in Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Abstract

The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering decreases the risk to develop major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Therefore, the "fast track" use of PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) has been introduced in ACS patients not achieving LDL-C target (70 mg/dl) despite an ongoing lipid lowering therapy with statin at maximum tolerated dosage plus ezetimibe or stain-naïve (LDL-C > 130 mg/dl). PCSK9i "fast track" use has shown to achieve the regression of "non-culprit" atherosclerotic plaques leading to a further MACE decrease. Interestingly, it has been also hypothesized a role of PCSK9i beyond the LDL-C lowering in ACS. PCSK9i have been demonstrated to decrease the inflammation of atherosclerotic plaques and myocardium, inhibit platelet aggregation, and improve the cardiomyocyte survival against the reperfusion injury. All these findings may positively impact on the prognosis and suggest the PCSK9i use in the acute phase of ACS independently on the baseline LDL-C values.

Keywords: Acute myocardial infarction; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascullar risk; Lipid lowering therapy; Secondary prevention.