Critical care clinics
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2001
ReviewAntithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy in acute cardiac care.
This article explores the use of antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy in acute cardiac care, and looks at traditional anticoagulant agents, newer antithrombin agents, thrombolytic agents, and others.
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Pulmonary hypertension has many causes and therapies. A meticulous evaluation is critical. Substantial advances in medical therapy have occurred over the past decade, and the future treatment of this syndrome is promising, with many new medications on the horizon.
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Patients with decompensated heart failure should be managed in an aggressive and proactive manner, using predominantly hemodynamic and end-organ function goals. This management is in contrast to the chronic maintenance therapy of patients with heart failure, where a neuroendocrine approach is indicated. Underlying anatomic targets for intervention should be sought aggressively and addressed. Patients who prove resistant to standard measures should be considered for early referral to heart transplant centers for more definitive measures, including evaluation for heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support if necessary.
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The field of percutaneous coronary intervention continues to progress at a tremendous rate. Advances in techniques, in device technology, and in adjunctive therapy have increased significantly the number of patients who may benefit from angioplasty and have increased the early and long-term success rates of these procedures. Future progress in radiation therapy, IIb/IIIa inhibitors, stent design, and other novel approaches undoubtedly will offer further improvements in the capability of coronary interventions to help patients live longer and feel better.
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Acute myocardial infarction continues to be the major determinant of death and disability in Western countries. Despite large improvements in management during the last 20 years, its high morbidity and mortality rates provide a stimulus to search intensively for different and widely applicable therapeutic options.