The analytic article provides a brief history of thrombolytic therapy in myocardial infarction and discusses benefits and restrictions of contemporary reperfusion methods of treatment. Albeit dominating position of primary transcutaneous interventions, thrombolytic therapy remains the main part for primary stage of treatment, especially in hard acessible and remote areas. Its usage especcialy important for Russia where such territories and cities with out of date infrastructure make impossible to follow optimal standards of care during permitted time window. The attention spotted on the improvement of thrombolytic therapy by pre-hospital thrombolysis and broad usage of pharmacoinvasive approach. © 2014, Russian Journal of Cardiology.