Acute Myocardial Infarction Can Deaths Be Reduced and, if So, How?

Abstract

Vigorous therapy following acute myocardial infarction might effect a saving of 40,000 lives a year. Among the features of such therapy are placement of patients in special “coronary care units” in hospitals, institution of measures to combat shock and congestive heart failure, and use of anticoagulants and vasopressor drugs. Mechanical assistance of circulation is a promising prospect.