AllRefer Health - Thrombolytic Therapy (Tissue Plasminogen Activator - TPA): Description (Activase Thrombolytic Agent, Alteplase, Clot-Dissolving Agents, Reperfusion Therapy, Reteplase, Tenecteplase, TPA)

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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Special Topic > Thrombolytic Therapy (Tissue Plasminogen Activator - TPA): Description

Thrombolytic Therapy (Tissue Plasminogen Activator - TPA)


•	Definition
•	Description
•	Heart attack
•	Stroke
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Alternate Names : Activase Thrombolytic Agent, Alteplase, Clot-Dissolving Agents, Reperfusion Therapy, Reteplase, Tenecteplase, TPA

Definition

Thrombolytic therapy is a drug that break ups or dissolves blood clots, which are the main cause of both heart attacks and stroke.

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Description

Since 1996, tPA has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of stroke and heart attack. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), if tPA is given within the first 3 hours of a stroke, it may reduce permanent disability. If given within 12 hours of the onset of a heart attack, the person has a better chance for survival and recovery.

There are various drugs that dissolve clots, but tPA is currently used most often. Others include Streptokinase (SK), Reteplase, Tenecteplase, Urokinase, Lanoteplase, and Staphylokinase.

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• Definition
• Description
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Risks
• Contact a health care provider or call 911
• Pictures & Images

Review Date : 7/28/2002
Reviewed By : Steven Kang, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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