The Current Dispute Concerning Anticoagulants in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Although the committee for the evaluation of anticoagulants of the American Heart Association recommended in its initial report in 19481that "anticoagulant therapy should be used in all cases of coronary thrombosis with myocardial infarction unless a definite contraindication exists," this problem is far from solved. There is more disagreement now regarding the correct management of these patients than when the report was orginally published. This presentation in the form of questions and answers is intended to indicate many of the points at issue and to present the views of an increasing number of cardiologists. It is not the purpose of this report to present a comprehensive and detailed review of the literature nor to indicate all the studies on which these conclusions are based but rather to discuss this subject in a manner most advantageous to the general physician. 1. Has the American Heart Association ever officially recommended