THE CASE FOR ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY

In summary, the total world evidence suggests that in the absence of compelling contraindications and with the availability of satisfactory laboratory and clinical facilities, patients suffering with acute myocardial infarction should receive adequate anticoagulant therapy during the first month, and that the risk of reinfarction and death is reduced if this is continued for 1 to 2 years after the first month. More long-term studies should be conducted to evaluate this treatment for succeeding years. This form of therapy presents certain difficulties that must be weighed against the possible gains in deciding whether or not to continue it.