Early intravenous beta blockade and thrombolytics in acute myocardial infarction

This article discusses therapy with beta blockade and thrombolytic agents in acute myocardial infarction. In large and well-controlled studies both treatment strategies have been shown to increase survival. Both therapies have also been demonstrated to be safe in acute myocardial infarction. Historically, the 2 different treatment strategies have been tested during different time periods, resulting in few studies with the main objective to study the combined effects of the 2 agents. From the data that are presently available, however, there is a clear suggestion of additive beneficial effect and the 2 treatments given in combination are well tolerated.