Thrombolytic therapy and acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Coronary thrombosis and subsequent time-dependent wavefroat cardiac muscle necrosis ate the pathophysiological hallmarks of an acute myocardial infarction. Early treatment of the thrombus by intravenous thrombolytic therapy results in a major reduction of mortality by salvage of myocardial muscle and preservation of left ventricular function. Although the benefit of streptokinase has been best documented, second generation thrombolytics (APSAC and rt-PA) are probably superior thrombolytic agents. The data on the additive effect of inhibition of platelet aggregation with low dose acetylsalicylic acid as degree of thrombolysis and mortality after a myocardial infarction are convincing. The reduction in mortality brought about by intravenous thrombolytic therapy is highly time-dependent, so that its application in a patient presenting with an acute myocardial infarction must be considered as a race against time. thrombolytic therapy / myocardiel infarction / fibrinogenolysis.