The body produces tPA in minute amounts. Within the past decade, genetic engineering techniques have made possible the development of a technique for producing tPA in large amounts. As a result, tPA is now available for clinical use. Timely administration of tPA has been shown to be effective in breaking up the blood clot responsible for a heart attack, and thereby restoring blood flow in the heart and reducing the amount of heart muscle damage. Research is still underway on how tPA works and how to make its use more effective and safer.
Research is also in progress on the use of tPA in the treatment of strokes due to blood clots.
A TIA differs from a stroke primarily in that it is temporary. The effects may last as little as a few minutes. To be diagnosed as a TIA, all symptoms should be gone within 24 hours. A TIA differs from a stroke primarily in that it is temporary. The effects may last as little as a few minutes.