Thrombolytics and myocardial infarction.
Coronary artery disease is the single leading cause of death in the United States. Occlusion of the coronary artery was identified to be the cause of myocardial infarction almost a century ago. Following a series of investigations, streptokinase was discovered and demonstrated to be beneficial for the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction in terms of reducing short- and long-term mortality. Newer agents including tissue plasminogen activators such as alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase were developed subsequently. In the present era, thrombolytic therapy and primary percutaneous coronary intervention has revolutionized the way patients with acute myocardial infarction are managed resulting in significant reduction in cardiovascular death. This article provides an overview of the various thrombolytic agents utilized in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Cardiothoracic Division, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
Vijayalakshmi
V
Kunadian
C Michael
CM
Gibson
D000075202:Contraindications; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D013300:Streptokinase; D010960:Plasminogen Activators