Cardiac Thrombolysis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Cardiac thrombolysis is a procedure to dissolve or break up a blood clot near your heart. The clot may be removed with a device during the procedure. A clot that forms in the arteries or chambers of the heart can cause a heart attack. The clot can cause a stroke if it breaks off and travels to your brain. Thrombolysis needs to be done as quickly as possible to prevent heart damage or a stroke.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss

Seek care immediately if:

• Your heart is beating faster than usual.
• The procedure area does not stop bleeding even after you apply firm pressure for 10 minutes.
• The procedure area is numb, painful, or changes color.
• You see blood in your urine.
• The bruise at your catheter site gets bigger or becomes swollen.
• You have purple spots or blisters on your skin.

Call your doctor or cardiologist if:

• You have a fever.
• You have a new skin rash and itching.
• You feel weak, lightheaded, or faint.
• You have new swelling around your eyes.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

• Antiplatelets , such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots. Take your antiplatelet medicine exactly as directed. These medicines make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for the procedure area as directed:

• Keep the procedure area clean and dry. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can bathe. You will need to keep the bandage in place and dry for a day or two after your procedure. Cover the bandage with a plastic bag and tape the opening around your skin to keep water out.
• Wash the area with soap and water when it is okay to bathe without a bandage.
• Check the area each day for signs of infection. Examples include redness, swelling, and pus. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandage if it gets wet or dirty.

Watch for bleeding and bruising:

It is normal to have a bruise and soreness where the catheter went in. Contact your healthcare provider if your bruise gets larger. If the procedure area bleeds, use your hand to put pressure on the bandage. If you do not have a bandage, use a clean cloth to put pressure over and just above the area. Seek care immediately if the bleeding does not stop within 10 minutes.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Do not lift heavy objects after your procedure:

Your healthcare provider or cardiologist may tell you not to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. For example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 pounds. Ask how much weight is safe for you to lift. You may need to be careful for a few weeks after your procedure.

Go to cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) as directed:

Cardiac rehab is a program run by specialists. You will learn to strengthen your heart safely and prevent more heart disease or another blood clot. The program includes exercise, relaxation, stress management, and heart-healthy nutrition. Healthcare providers will also check to make sure any medicines you are taking are working. The program may also include instructions for when you can drive, return to work, and do other normal daily activities.

Stay active to prevent another blood clot:

Go slowly at first. Then increase your activity. An active lifestyle can help prevent blood clots. Try to get at least 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week. If you sit most of the day for work, stand or walk around every half hour. After an injury or illness, try to become active again as soon as possible. Activity can also help you manage your weight. Too much body weight can increases your risk for another blood clot.

Manage other health conditions:

Follow your healthcare provider's directions to manage health conditions that can cause a blood clot. Examples are high cholesterol and diabetes.

Do not smoke:

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel and lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Drink liquids as directed:

Liquids will help flush out the contrast material used during your procedure. Liquid can also help prevent blood clots. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.

Limit alcohol:

Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after your procedure. Then limit alcohol. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.

Follow up with your doctor or cardiologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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