[New aspects in the prophylaxis of myocardial reinfarction (author's transl)]

During the last 30 years several methods have been employed to reduce myocardial infarction and sudden death, rsp. The results with inhibitors of blood coagulation and platelet aggregation are somewhat controversial. Beta-receptor-blockers and sulfinpyrazone on the other hand have proven to be effective at least as far as reduction of sudden death is concerned. A multifactorial intervention program regarding rehabilitation has also been successful although this program may be difficult to use on a broader basis because of organization problems. The following concept may be followed: if there are no contraindications against beta-receptor-blockers and if the patients are younger than 65 years beta-receptor-blockers should be used because there are more studies with a larger number of patients are younger than 65 years beta-receptor-blockers should be used because there are more studies with a larger number of patients available providing their usefulness than for that of sulfinpyrazone. If there are additional indications for beta-receptor-blockers, as for instance hypertension the choice should be even easier. If there are on the other hand contraindications against beta-receptor-blockers or indications for a treatment with sulfinpyrazone such as hyperuricemia, sulfinpyrazone should be used. According to our knowledge such a treatment should be continued for a period of 5 months, a longer treatment seems not to be more promising.