For patients undergoing early invasive treatment for NSTEMI, what is the preferable loading dose for ticagrelor?

Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medication commonly used in the management of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). For patients undergoing early invasive treatment for NSTEMI, the recommended loading dose of ticagrelor is 180 mg. This higher loading dose is crucial in providing rapid antiplatelet effect, which is essential in acute coronary syndrome scenarios where prompt treatment decisions are necessary.

The rationale behind this loading dose is that it achieves a more immediate platelet inhibition, which can help prevent the progression of ischemic events in patients who are likely to undergo invasive interventions such as catheterization and potential stenting. Clinical studies have shown that this higher dose correlates with improved outcomes in terms of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality when compared to lower loading doses.

The other choices reflect dosing regimens that may not align with the clinical guidelines for early management of NSTEMI. Selecting the 180 mg loading dose demonstrates the importance of quickly achieving therapeutic levels of ticagrelor to optimize patient safety and clinical efficacy during urgent cardiac care.