Aggressive management of acute myocardial infarction

Acute transmural myocardial infarction is usually caused by a coronary thrombus along with fixed coronary artery stenosis. Myocardial necrosis can be interrupted by the prompt use of pharmacologic and mechanical thrombolysis. Intravenous streptokinase and urokinase have been associated with approximately a 45 percent recanalization rate while the newer agent, recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA), has an average lysis rate of 70 percent intravenously. Intracoronary streptokinase and urokinase have a similar 75 percent lysis rate, but with additional costs and morbidity. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) is often indicated to correct an underlying stenosis, the time of which depends on the experience and expertise of the PTCA team.