ROLE OF THE FIBRINOLYTIC SYSTEM IN PREVENTING MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated i n the pathogenesis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Similarly, re duced fibrinolytic activity has been associated with an increased risk of AMI. Evidence is now accumulating that the RAS plays an important role in the regulation of fibrinolysis and that pharmacological interr uption of the RAS exerts a positive effect on endogenous fibrinolytic balance. This relationship appears to provide a partial explanation fo r the newly recognized effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibit ors in preventing AMI.