Thrombolytic therapy is indicated for patients over 75 years of age with st-elevation acute myocardial infarction: antagonist viewpoint.
From the available data, one cannot conclude whether thrombolytic therapy is beneficial or detrimental in patients older than age 75 years with acute myocardial infarction. Data favor the use of primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty rather than thrombolysis in eligible patients older than age 75 years with acute myocardial infarction to reduce mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage. High-risk elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, such as those with a large anterior myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure and hypotension, those with persistent ischemic pain or marked ST-segment changes, those with hemodynamic instability, and those at high risk for stroke or bleeding complications, should, especially, be treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
Aronow
Wilbert S
WS
The Cardiology Division, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY,USA. WSAronow@aol.com
D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D013300:Streptokinase