Final answer:
Coronary reperfusion is necessary when a coronary artery blockage prevents oxygen from reaching the heart, potentially leading to tissue death. Immediate and long-term treatments focus on restoring blood flow, including medications, interventions, and surgeries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coronary reperfusion should happen if there is a blockage in a coronary artery that stops oxygen from reaching parts of the heart muscle, leading to myocardial ischemia and potential myocardial infarction (heart attack). When a coronary artery is occluded, the heart tissue it supplies is starved of oxygen and vital nutrients, which can result in tissue death. To prevent this, immediate medical interventions are necessary to restore blood flow.
Treatments for myocardial infarction (MI) include administering supplemental oxygen, aspirin, and sublingual nitroglycerine to improve oxygenation and facilitate blood flow. Long-term treatments may involve thrombolytic agents like streptokinase, anticoagulants like heparin, balloon angioplasty, stents, or coronary bypass surgery. In cases of extensive damage, alternatives such as a donor heart transplant or the use of a coronary assist device may be considered.