Clots kill: hematologic pharmacology for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Drugs that work on the hematologic system play an important role in helping to limit the morbidity and mortality that can be associated with an acute coronary syndrome. The pharmacology of the fibrinolytic agents, thrombin inhibitors, and antiplatelet agents is described. A case study of a woman having an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is reviewed to highlight the importance of drugs that work on the hematologic system.