Coronary thrombolysis: practical considerations

The decision to administer thrombolytic agents to patients with acute myocardial infarction requires consideration of both the potential risks and benefits of treatment. In patients treated very early (1 to 2 hours) after the onset of infarction, benefit has been established. In those presenting later, factors such as age, location of infarction, the interval from the onset of symptoms to treatment, and any risks of therapy need to be weighed. This article will review the selection of patients for treatment, the state of the art for its implementation, and for the use of adjunctive therapies.