Multi-drug management after myocardial infarction

Since the results of studies done with angiotensin-converting-enzyme(ACE)-inhibitors, systemic thrombolysis and primary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) have been published, post-myocardial infarction therapy has changed dramatically. In most european countries systemic thrombolysis as early as possible is the standard therapy. Cardiologists prefer more and more immediate revascularisation if the technical standard of the hospital is allowing an acute intervention. Pharmacological therapy is done initially with beta-blockers and platelet aggregation inhibitors, if necessary intravenously, since the results of the e. g. GUSTO-and the AIRE-study are known, If left ventricular dysfunction exists or develops, ACE-inhibitors are given after the third day post myocardial infarction.