THROMBOLYSIS IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION - THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY IN A CORONARY-CARE-UNIT IN 1992

In order to describe the execution of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a coronary care unit, case records of 427 admissions in 1992 due to definite or possible AMI were reviewed: 32% received thrombolytic therapy while 68% did not because of contraindications, delayed admission, advanced age or nondiagnostic ECG changes. Among cases otherwise eligible for thrombolytic therapy according to the instructions of the department, 32% did not receive thrombolytic treatment solely because of nondiagnostic ECG changes. There is an obvious need for implementation of improved early diagnostic tools in the decision-making of thrombolysis as for instance newer, sensitive biochemical markers and continuous vectorcardiography.