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. 2012 Apr;1(1):9-12.
doi: 10.1177/2048872612438026.

The treatment of acute myocardial infarction: the Past, the Present, and the Future

Eugene Braunwald  1
Affiliations

The treatment of acute myocardial infarction: the Past, the Present, and the Future

Eugene Braunwald. Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care. 2012 Apr.

Abstract

Since Herrick's description of the clinical picture of acute myocardial infarction exactly one century ago (1912), there have been three phases of therapy: Phase 1 (1912-1961, bed rest and 'expectant' treatment); Phase 2 (1961-1974, the coronary care unit); and Phase 3 (1975-present, myocardial reperfusion). We are now on the cusp of Phase 4, which comprises efforts to reduce myocardial perfusion injury as well as regenerative medicine.

Keywords: Myocardial infarction; coronary care unit; myocardial reperfusion; reperfusion injury.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

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