Administration of thrombolytic therapy to patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The publication of large randomised trials such as ISIS 2 (1988) and AIMS (1990), provided striking evidence as to the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy in reducing early mortality and morbidity in patients suffering acute myocardial infarction. This article will provide an overview of the use of thrombolytic agents in modern cardiac care, with particular reference to their impact on the Accident and Emergency department.