Which thrombolytic agent is used to dissolve clots in acute myocardial infarction?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Warfarin
• C. Heparin
• D. Alteplase

Answer: (D)

The main idea is using a thrombolytic to dissolve an occlusive clot in acute myocardial infarction. Alteplase is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator that converts plasminogen to plasmin, which then digests fibrin and breaks down the clot. This active clot dissolution is what makes alteplase effective in STEMI when timely PCI isn’t available, usually given within hours of onset.

Other options don’t dissolve the existing clot. Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that helps prevent further platelet aggregation but doesn’t lyse an established thrombus. Warfarin and heparin are anticoagulants that reduce new clot formation and propagation rather than rapidly dissolving the current occlusion.

So, the agent that dissolves clots in acute MI is alteplase.