After how many months post-NSTEMI is it generally determined that the risk of bleeding outweighs the benefits of continuing DAPT?

Study for the Board Certified Cardiology Pharmacist Exam. Utilize flashcards and answer multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare efficiently for your certification!

Continuing dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is a key strategy to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events. The consensus is that after 12 months of DAPT, the risk of bleeding starts to outweigh the benefits of continued therapy for most patients. The benefit of preventing thrombotic events diminishes as time progresses, while the risk of serious bleeding increases.

After the initial 12 months, patients are usually evaluated for their individual risk factors and overall health status to determine if DAPT should be continued. Various clinical guidelines, including those from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, support this timeframe, indicating that after 12 months, many patients may transition to monotherapy with a single antiplatelet agent like aspirin, particularly if they have a lower risk profile for cardiovascular events or a higher risk of bleeding.

Consequently, the generally accepted duration after which the risk of bleeding outweighs the benefits of continuing DAPT is indeed 12 months following an NSTEMI.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy