Can Thrombolysis Prevent Ischemic Heart Failure?

In the present era of thrombolysis, congestive heart failure secondary to (sub)acute coronary artery obstruction can be reduced to a considerable extent or even avoided altogether. Evidence from several recent trials in humans, aimed at restoring perfusion of the jeopardized myocardium - and thus preserving normal ventricular function - is presented. It is clear that thrombolysis, provided it is instituted within 4 h of onset of symptoms in patients with a large area of the myocardium at risk, can prevent ischemic heart failure.