PRESENT STATUS OF ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION; THE USE AND MISUSE OF ANTICOAGULANTS; AN EVALUATION OF NEW ANTICOAGULANTS, THEIR INDICATIONS AND DOSAGE

Abstract

Some workers believe that anticoagulants should be used only for severe cases, or for those who have already suffered thrombo-embolic complications; but the trend is in favor of using anticoagulants in all cases of myocardial infarction unless there are contraindications to their use. Long-term anticoagulant therapy after one or more myocardial infarctions appears to give the patient a better prognosis. However, further study and analysis are essential before this position can be accepted as conclusive. New coumarin and phenylindandione derivatives have been introduced for clinical use. Their rate and duration of action vary, but their effectiveness depends fundamentally on their action on prothrombin and factor VII activity. Heparin remains the only drug of its type suitable for clinical use. The so-called anticoagulants with enzymatic properties are thus far in an experimental phase.