Thrombosis and Thrombolytic Agents

Abstract

Hemostasis is an important regulated system in the human body, its goal is to maintain blood flow and form a blood clot when needed. The pathological activation of the mediators of hemostasis leads to the formation of a thrombus. The consequences of the thrombus formation are the obstruction of blood flow and subsequent tissue ischemia which is the underlying pathophysiology for serious diseases which include ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. Thrombolytic agents interact with hemostatic mediators that promote blood clot dissolution and the restoration of blood flow and are hence used in the treatment of the above mentioned diseases, thrombolytic agents are live saving but they should be used in selected patients to prevent their most serious complication hemorrhage.