tissue plasminogen activator

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Word: Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Tissue plasminogen activator (often shortened to tPA) is a special medicine that helps dissolve blood clots in the body. It is mainly used in emergencies when a person has had a heart attack or a stroke caused by a clot.

Usage Instructions:

• tPA is usually given by doctors in a hospital setting. It is important that it is given as soon as possible after symptoms start, to be most effective.
• Patients who have certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications may not be able to use tPA, so doctors will evaluate each person carefully.

Example:

• "The doctor administered tissue plasminogen activator to the patient after confirming that he had a heart attack caused by a blood clot."

Advanced Usage:

• In medical discussions, you might hear tPA referred to when talking about treatment protocols for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or ischemic stroke (a type of stroke caused by a blood clot).

Word Variants:

• tPA (abbreviation): This is the common shorthand for tissue plasminogen activator.
• Plasminogen: This is a protein in the blood that is converted into plasmin by tPA, which helps break down clots.

Different Meaning:

While "tissue plasminogen activator" specifically refers to this medical treatment, the individual words can have other meanings. For example: - Tissue: Can refer to a group of cells in the body or a type of paper used for cleaning. - Activator: Generally means something that starts or increases a process.

Synonyms:

• Thrombolytic agent: This is a broader term that includes tPA and other similar medications that help dissolve clots.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to tissue plasminogen activator, as it is a technical medical term. However, you might hear phrases like: - "Time is muscle" in medical contexts, meaning that quick treatment during a heart attack is crucial to save heart tissue.

Summary:

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a life-saving medication used to dissolve blood clots in emergencies like heart attacks or strokes.

Academic

Noun

1. a thrombolytic agent (trade name Activase) that causes fibrinolysis at the site of a blood clot; used in treating acute myocardial infarction

Synonyms

• activase