[Heparin and ischemic stroke]

In absence of careful controlled trials, heparin therapy of ischemic stroke is based today on the clinical experience and personal belief of the physicians. Moreover, the incomplete knowledge of physiopathogenesis of ischemic stroke adds further confusion on those nosographic conditions treatable with heparin. This work aims to report the opinions prevalent in the literature, together with personal convictions, so to supply the reader with a complete view of the scientific discussion on this argument.