Coronary Thrombolysis in Women

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Although the incidence of AMI is higher in men than women, it is responsible for more than 250,000 annual deaths among women within the United States alone. Coronary thrombolysis is the treatment of choice for AMI and reduces mortality rates in both men and women. However, the absolute benefit may be less in women and, in addition, may not be maintained beyond the early postinfarction period. Bleeding complications, including intracranial hemorrhage, may be more common in women, particularly those more than 65 years of age. The author reviews the topic of coronary thrombolysis in women.