Heparin Anticoagulation in in patients with acute myocardial infarction

pp 523-530

Abstract

In patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving thrombolytic therapy, the role of heparin anticoagulation has been analyzed in two large trials (GISSI II,ISIS 3). These studies have failed to show reduction of mortality rates. Many authors have considered the treatment protocol inadequate. Several studies have proved that intravenous heparin after successful thrombolitic therapy has a beneficial effect in maintaining artery patency; mortality rates were not evaluated. The use of heparin after coronary angioplasty to avoid restenosis seem demonstrated. Subcutaneous heparin (25000 1U) has been proved useful for the treatment of left ventricular mural thrombi; its use to prevent thrombus formation is controversial.