Thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction. Are inclusion criteria too stringent?

There is little question that reperfusion therapy with thrombolytic agents benefits patients who meet the current eligibility requirements and receive therapy shortly after acute myocardial infarction. Less clear is whether this therapy would benefit and be safe for use in patients who are now deemed ineligible to receive it. The authors compare the three available intravenous thrombolytic agents, summarize the risks and benefits associated with thrombolytic therapy in various situations, and make recommendations based on their experience.