Thrombolytic Therapy - FOR HEART ATTACK

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, or acute myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked (often by a blood clot). The patient may feel pain or discomfort in the center of the chest, neck, jaw, shoulders, arms or back. Other symptoms are weakness, nausea, sweating or shortness of breath.

What is thrombolytic therapy?

Thrombolytic medications dissolve blood clots in an attempt to restore blood flow to an affected part of the heart. They are most effective when given during or right after a heart attack. The earlier the medications are started, the better the chance of preventing heart muscle damage. Corning Hospital physicians use either streptokinase or t-Pa (activase).

What are the side effects?

The most significant side effect of thrombolytic therapy is bleeding.

Superficial bleeding may occur from:

• shaving cuts
• needle punctures
• nose and gums

A risk of serious internal bleeding, including stroke (less than 2%), is possible.

Immediately report to your health care provider:

• Headache
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Coldness
• Other pain or discomfort

Does thrombolytic therapy cure the problem?

• It treats the acute part of the heart attack.
• It does not treat the underlying cause of plaque buildup.
• Determining your risk for having another heart attack is important.
• It may be necessary to transfer you to another facility:
  • for testing - cardiac catheterization; and
  • for treatment - angioplasty or CABG (Coronary artery bypass graft)

Definitions

ANGIOPLASTY (PTCA)

A tiny balloon is used to compress plaque, thereby widening the blocked arteries.

CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION

A test that shows blockage in the coronary arteries. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided into heart arteries. A dye is injected to highlight the arteries, then x-rays are taken.

CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFT (CABG)

Blood vessels are taken from other parts of the body and placed in the heart, allowing blood to flow to healthy muscle.

MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (MI, HEART ATTACK)

Blood flow is cut off completely for a long time to one or more of the coronary arteries.

PLAQUE

The build up of fat and cholesterol in the arteries.

Health Education Index