Blood viscosity and platelet function in thrombolytic therapy of acute myocardial infarction

European Heart Journal
J J Hoffmann

Abstract

The mechanisms by which thrombolytic drugs accomplish their impressive clinical effects in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction are as yet incompletely appreciated. Factors other than lysis of thrombi and restoration of blood flow most likely play a role, and blood viscosity and platelet function probably are important factors. Blood viscosity is inversely related to oxygen supply to myocardial tissue and therefore a decrease in viscosity might contribute to preservation of myocardial function. Since fibrinogen is a major determinant of blood viscosity and this protein is largely degraded by some thrombolytic drugs, it is conceivable that a systemic fibrinogenolytic state is of additional benefit for the patient. Fibrinogen and other plasma proteins which change during thrombolytic therapy are also essential for adequate platelet function. Besides, thrombolytic drugs can directly affect platelet activity. Although the exact effects are still unknown, it is certain that changes in platelet function induced by thrombolytic drugs are important for the clinical efficacy and probably for the side-effects of thrombolytic therapy.

Citations

May 15, 1994·Thrombosis Research·G V BashkovS P Domogatsky
May 13, 2011·Hypertension Research : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension·Hisashi MasugataFuminori Goda
Jun 1, 1994·The Annals of Pharmacotherapy·K A Stringer

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, that can lead to muscular or electrical dysfunction of the heart. It is often an irreversible disease that is associated with a poor prognosis. There are different causes and classifications of cardiomyopathies. Here are the latest discoveries pertaining to this disease.

Cardiology Journals

Discover the latest cardiology research in this collection of the top cardiology journals.