This review article summarizes the long-term standard therapy for patients with myocardial infarction. The chronic therapy is able to significantly improve quality of life and survival of affected patients. Previous studies showed that in most western countries, the established standard therapy is not given to all patients who would benefit from chronic treatment. The essential parts of today's myocardial infarction treatment consists of effective beta-blockade, inhibition of the angiotensin-conversion enzyme, inhibition of platelet aggregation and lipid lowering agents. This article reviews the clinical benefits which may be expected from each of these therapeutic approaches. Newer, but not yet proven strategies, like blockade of the angiotensin receptor subtype 1 and treatment with antioxidative agents will be discussed.