The development of coronary thrombosis following myocardial infarction

One hundred twenty-one patients who died from myocardial infarction were studied. Occlusive coronary artery thrombosis was present in 32%. In 68% of these, the infarct developed first. Factors inducing thrombus formation include fall in systemic blood pressure, alteration of blood flow, shock, and size of infarct. Factors inducing infarction, apart from hypoxia, may be stress, altered cell membrane permeability, and increased catecholamines.