Primary angioplasty and thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction: an evidence summary

Abstract

Coronary angioplasty is being increasingly used as the primary treatment for patients with acute myocardial infarction, but controversy remains over its potential adoption in preference to thrombolysis as standard care. This report summarizes the published evidence on health outcomes after primary angioplasty compared with thrombolysis or no intervention for patients with acute myocardial infarction. The data tables presented provide the scientific groundwork to assist physicians and other policy-makers in deciding which interventions to provide for broad populations of patients.