Choice of dual antiplatelet therapy in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome: Does age make the difference?

The appropriate use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a highly debated subject. In fact, achieving the correct balance between the reduction of ischemic risk and the increase in hemorrhagic events is more difficult in this population than in younger subjects, especially in the case of very potent drug therapy. As a consequence of this, despite guideline recommendations, antiplatelet therapy is currently underutilized in elderly patients with ACS.In current clinical practice, the antiplatelet drugs that can be used in combination with aspirin are clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor. The efficacy of these molecules is supported by randomized clinical trials, which gave variable results in terms of the extent of reduction in ischemic events and increase in hemorrhagic complications. The purpose of this article is to identify, based on the results of a consensus meeting, common elements in the use of DAPT in the elderly and to identify areas where further scientific evidence is required to better define the role of the individual antiplatelet agents.