The recommended timeframe for PCI after first medical contact when clinically feasible is...

The recommended timeframe for PCI after first medical contact when clinically feasible is...

• A. Within 90 minutes.
• B. Within 6 hours.
• C. Within 24 hours.
• D. Only after fibrinolysis.

Answer: (A)

Prompt reperfusion to save heart muscle is the key idea. When a PCI-capable center can treat the patient and it’s feasible, the goal is to perform primary PCI within 90 minutes of first medical contact. This rapid reperfusion minimizes infarct size and improves survival compared with slower or deferred treatment. Delays such as 6 hours or 24 hours fall well outside the recommended window and lead to worse outcomes. Delaying PCI to use fibrinolysis makes sense only if PCI cannot be performed promptly; if PCI can be done promptly, it is preferred over fibrinolysis. So the best answer is within 90 minutes.

Prompt reperfusion to save heart muscle is the key idea. When a PCI-capable center can treat the patient and it’s feasible, the goal is to perform primary PCI within 90 minutes of first medical contact. This rapid reperfusion minimizes infarct size and improves survival compared with slower or deferred treatment. Delays such as 6 hours or 24 hours fall well outside the recommended window and lead to worse outcomes. Delaying PCI to use fibrinolysis makes sense only if PCI cannot be performed promptly; if PCI can be done promptly, it is preferred over fibrinolysis. So the best answer is within 90 minutes.