ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of early use of heparin for thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MethodsThe Chinese databases involving VIP, CNKI, WanFang Data, CBM and foreign language databases including PubMed and The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2013) were electronically searched from inception to January 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on early use of heparin in the treatment of AMI were included. Two reviewers assessed the quality of each trial and extracted data independently according to the Cochrane Handbook. RevMan5.2 software was used for statistical analysis. ResultsA total of 23 RCTs involving 2 697 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the heparin group was superior to the control group in increasing of the rate of coronary artery recanalization, decreasing the time of recanalization, reducing the rate of re-infarction and the death rate, and decreasing the time of ST-T fell for 50%, the time of enzyme peak showed and the time of chest pain relief. There had no significant difference observed in the incidence of adverse reaction between the two groups. ConclusionIt is effective to use heparin before thrombolytic therapy in AMI.