What is the recommended time frame for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a patient with STEMI?

The recommended time frame for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a patient with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is within 1.5 hours from the time of first medical contact. This time frame is critical as it aligns with the goal of minimizing myocardial damage and improving outcomes in patients experiencing a STEMI.

Timely PCI is crucial because the longer the heart muscle is without adequate blood flow, the greater the risk of extensive damage. Interventions performed within 90 minutes (1.5 hours) have been shown to not only increase survival rates but also improve the quality of life for patients following a STEMI event. This 1.5-hour window is based on clinical guidelines that emphasize rapid treatment to maximize the chances of salvaging heart muscle and enhancing patient prognosis.