Thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

It is clear that intracoronary streptokinase during acute myocardial infarction results in rapid reopening of occluded coronary arteries. It remains to be seen whether this therapy results in worthwhile salvage of myocardium and reduction of mortality and morbidity in patients. Intravenous administration of streptokinase appears to be less consistently effective and slower acting than the intracoronary approach. However, further study of this more convenient and widely applicable form of therapy is needed. Wider application of thrombolysis to patients with post-infarction angina and unstable angina pectoris has been proposed. Pending results of currently ongoing and future studies, thrombolysis remains an experimental therapy for ischemic heart disease.