Reperfusion should take place before how many hours from symptom onset?

Reperfusion should take place before how many hours from symptom onset?

• A. 6 hours
• B. 24 hours
• C. 12 hours
• D. 48 hours

Answer: (C)

Early reperfusion aims to salvage myocardium, and the benefit is greatest when it’s delivered within about 12 hours from symptom onset. After this window, much of the affected tissue becomes non-viable, so the advantage of opening the artery diminishes. Therefore, the typical time to strive for reperfusion is within 12 hours. In special cases with ongoing ischemia or hemodynamic instability, some benefit may still exist beyond 12 hours, but the standard window is up to 12 hours.

Early reperfusion aims to salvage myocardium, and the benefit is greatest when it’s delivered within about 12 hours from symptom onset. After this window, much of the affected tissue becomes non-viable, so the advantage of opening the artery diminishes. Therefore, the typical time to strive for reperfusion is within 12 hours. In special cases with ongoing ischemia or hemodynamic instability, some benefit may still exist beyond 12 hours, but the standard window is up to 12 hours.