The treatment of acute myocardial infarction: the Past, the Present, and the Future

Since Herrick's description of the clinical picture of acute myocardial infarction exactly one century ago (1912), there have been three phases of therapy: Phase 1 (1912-1961, bed rest and 'expectant' treatment); Phase 2 (1961-1974, the coronary care unit); and Phase 3 (1975-present, myocardial reperfusion). We are now on the cusp of Phase 4, which comprises efforts to reduce myocardial perfusion injury as well as regenerative medicine.