Rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery with subsequent thrombosis is the cause of most acute myocardial infarctions. Thrombolytics are the standard pharmacologic agents used to restore normal blood flow through the occluded coronary artery. While the use of thrombolytics has decreased both short-term and long-term mortality in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction, these agents do have limitations. Combining glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists with thrombolytics is one strategy being investigated to try to improve outcomes after acute myocardial infarction.
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