What should be considered when selecting the type of reperfusion therapy for patients with STEMI?
Several factors should be considered when selecting the type of reperfusion therapy for patients with STEMI. These include the time from onset of symptoms, the risk of complications related to STEMI, the risk of bleeding with fibrinolysis, the presence of shock or severe HF, and the time required for transfer to a PCI-capable hospital. For patients with STEMI presenting to a PCI-capable hospital, primary PCI should be accomplished within 90 minutes. For patients presenting to a non PCI-capable hospital, rapid assessment of these factors must be made and a decision about administration of fibrinolytic therapy reached.