Myocardial Infarction Agents

Abstract

AbstractA myocardial infarction begins with the occlusion of a coronary artery, usually resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Pharmacologic treatment begins with conventional pain relief and under appropriate circumstances thrombolytic agents are administered. Anticoagulants are used in conjunction with thrombolytic agents to assist thrombolysis and prevent reocclusion of the affected vessel. Lethal arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation are a major cause of death following myocardial infarction. β‐Adrenoceptor antagonists are used to reduce the incidence of this sudden cardiac death. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are used to reduce post‐infarction ventricular remodeling, which is a leading cause of congestive heart failure.Current therapy has significantly reduced in hospital mortality but acute myocardial infarction remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Congestive heart failure secondary to myocardial infarction is becoming an epidemic. Additional therapeutic agents and/or strategies are needed to reduce death and disability following myocardial infarction.