Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The recommended timeframe for performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is within 90 minutes of hospital arrival. This guideline is critical because timely intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes by restoring blood flow to the heart muscle, thus minimizing damage during an active myocardial infarction.

The 90-minute window is based on several clinical studies and guidelines that emphasize the importance of rapid reperfusion therapy. The sooner the blockage in the coronary artery can be alleviated, the less myocardial tissue is likely to be irreversibly damaged. In STEMI cases, where every minute counts, the goal is to complete the PCI procedure swiftly—ideally within the first 90 minutes after the patient arrives at the hospital.

This timeframe aligns with the recommendations from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA), which advocate for expedited treatment protocols for STEMI patients to optimize recovery and long-term health prospects. Delaying treatment beyond this timeframe can lead to worsening heart function and increased chances of complications.