Thrombolytic therapy

Thrombolytic therapy is a treatment used in medicine to dissolve blood clots, which can cause serious conditions such as stroke and myocardial infarction. This therapy uses drugs known as thrombolytics to achieve this effect.

Mechanism of action

Thrombolytic therapy works by activating the fibrinolytic system. This system is responsible for breaking down clots in the blood vessels. The drugs used in this therapy, thrombolytics, are designed to mimic the body's natural clot-dissolving process. They work by converting plasminogen into plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin, the main component of blood clots.

Indications

Thrombolytic therapy is used in the treatment of several conditions, including:

• Acute myocardial infarction
• Ischemic stroke
• Pulmonary embolism
• Deep vein thrombosis

Contraindications

There are several situations in which thrombolytic therapy should not be used, including:

• Recent surgery or trauma
• Active internal bleeding
• History of hemorrhagic stroke
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension

Side effects

The most common side effect of thrombolytic therapy is bleeding. Other potential side effects include:

• Allergic reactions
• Arrhythmias
• Reperfusion injury

See also

• Anticoagulant
• Antiplatelet therapy
• Fibrinolysis

References

Thrombolytic therapy Resources
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