EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION - FOCUS ON PHARMACOLOGICAL THERAPY

Treatment of acute myocardial infarction has evolved significantly in the past two decades. Reperfusion therapies of thrombolysis and percut aneous angioplasty are major advances that can be employed to save inf arcting myocardium and reduce mortality. When reperfusion therapy is c ombined with the use of aspirin, beta-blockade, heparin, and nitroglyc erin, the emergency management of the patient with myocardial infarcti on can be completed. Outcomes in patients are determined by what happe ns in the first few minutes to hours after onset, and any delay in dia gnosis or treatment may have significant consequences. This article re views intervention and treatment strategies for acute myocardial infar ction.