Final answer:
Fibrinolysis is the gradual degradation of a clot through the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin, which breaks down the fibrin. Thrombolytic agents can be administered to speed up this process and improve prognosis for thrombotic stroke. Anti-platelet therapy is often used for STEMI to prevent clot formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of fibrinolysis is the gradual degradation of a clot by converting the inactive protein plasminogen into the active plasmin, which breaks down the fibrin of the clot. Fibrinolysis is an important mechanism to restore normal blood flow after a clot forms.
Thrombolytic agents, such as tissue plasminogen activator, can be used to speed up the degradation of abnormal clots. These agents catalyze the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, the primary enzyme that breaks down clots. Administering thrombolytic agents within a certain time frame after a thrombotic stroke can significantly improve the prognosis for the patient.
In the case of STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction), anti-platelet therapy with drugs like clopidogrel plus aspirin is commonly used. This therapy helps reduce cardiovascular events and is effective in preventing clot formation.