Thrombolysis in the management of acute myocardial infarction. Current status and future perspectives.

Abstract

The optimal thrombolytic regimen is front-loaded alteplase with vigorous heparinization: the reperfusion treatment that leads to the lowest 30 day mortality. The role of heparin alone or in combination with thrombolysis is still unclear. Hirudin does not provide benefit over heparin, as we have seen in the trials, and glycoprotein blockers are promising in PTCA. They can also be effective in unstable angina and possibly in acute myocardial infarction.