Last Updated Feb 2013
In an attempt to better treat individuals who experience an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the technical name for the most dangerous form of heart attack, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released updated recommendations on best-scenario treatment options, for which time is critical.
The leading treatment, according to the guidelines, is percutaneous coronary intervention, which uses a balloon angioplasty to open a clogged artery. In the absence of percutaneous coronary intervention, the guidelines recommend clot-busting drugs, followed by transfer to a facility where the procedure is available.
In addition, the guidelines urge the rapid use of electrocardiograms by emergency medical technicians, as well as cooling procedures to be used simultaneously with cardiac catheterization to reduce brain injury. The most dangerous form of heart attack, STEMI, affects approximately 250,000 patients annually.
The guidelines appeared in Circulation and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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