Endogenous thrombolysis in acute coronary syndromes

The outcome of an acute myocardial infarction depends not only on the formation and stability of an occlusive thrombus but also on the efficacy of the endogenous thrombolytic system which allows reperfusion of the infarct related artery and prevents recurrent ischaemic episodes. Endogenous thrombolysis has been a neglected entityand its beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes have not been studied in depth in the past. This book demonstrates the importance of endogenous thrombolysis in cardiac patients and the effect of impaired endogenous thrombolysis on cardiovascular outcomes in patients admitted to hospital with an acute coronary syndrome.