ABSTRACT
Atherosclerotic plaque disruption with resultant coronary thrombosis is the predominant cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (1). It is now evident that thrombolysis recanalizes the thrombotic occlusion associated with AMI, restores coronary flow improving myocardial function, and reduces mortality. Four thrombolytic agents are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for intravenous (IV) use in patients with AMI (2,3). They are Class I interventions in the ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (4). This indicates that there is evidence and/or general agreement that a given treatment is beneficial, useful, and effective.
