Question

A patient suffering from an ST-elevation myocardial infarction or a presumably new-onset left bundle branch block may benefit from the use of fibrinolytic therapy if the agent is given promptly. How long does a patient have to receive the first fibrinolytic agent to salvage ischemic heart tissue?

A. Within 12 hours of symptoms onset.
B. Within the first 90 minutes from symptom onset.
C. Within 24 hours of symptoms onset.
D. Within the first hour ("golden hour") from symptom onset.

Answer 1

A patient suffering from an ST-elevation myocardial infarction or a new-onset left bundle branch block should receive the first fibrinolytic agent within 12 hours of symptom onset.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient suffering from an ST-elevation myocardial infarction or a presumably new-onset left bundle branch block may benefit from the use of fibrinolytic therapy if the agent is given promptly. To salvage ischemic heart tissue, the patient should receive the first fibrinolytic agent within 12 hours of symptom onset (Option A).