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You are in: Home > Heart Information > Treatments For Heart Conditions > Drug Treatment > Thrombolysis After A Heart Attack

Thrombolysis After A Heart Attack

After a heart attack, an immediate goal is to quickly open blocked coronary arteries and reperfuse (restore blood flow to) the heart muscle.

Early reperfusion minimises the extent of heart muscle damage and preserves the pumping function of the heart. This can be achieved by either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolysis.

What is thrombolysis?

Thrombolysis involves an infusion of 'clot busting drugs' which are given directly into your vein. These drugs (usually tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or alteplase) dissolve the clot(s) within the coronary artery and improve blood flow to your heart.

Thrombolysis treatment may be an emergency treatment option if PCI cannot be performed within the first 90mins from the start of any heart attack symptoms.

Treatment with thrombolysis is most effective when it is given as soon as possible. It may be given by paramedics in some areas, or shortly after arrival in hospital.

This treatment is not suitable for everyone as there is a risk of bleeding.

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