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AHA, ACC issue new guidelines for treatment of STEMI
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New guidelines aimed at improving and streamlining care for patients with STEMI were published online today in Circulation and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Specifically, the guidelines focus on clinical decision-making at all stages for patients with the condition.
Other areas highlighted in the statement include regional systems of care for immediate treatment and the rapid restoration of blood flow in the obstructed coronary artery.
"Time is of the essence in the evaluation and treatment of these patients," Patrick O'Gara, MD, chair of the guidelines writing committee, said in a press release.
"The sooner the blood flow is restored, the better the chances for survival with intact heart function," added O'Gara, who is also executive medical director of the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center and director of clinical cardiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
Percutaneous coronary intervention is ideal when it can be performed quickly, the committee wrote. In times of delay, clot-busting drugs should be given, followed by intervention when it can be administered.
Another goal of the guidelines is to improve patient recognition of MI symptoms and calling 911 immediately. Patient delay in reporting symptoms is one of the biggest obstacles to receiving timely care. Additionally, to facilitate treatment, emergency medical technicians should perform ECGs in the field, according to the new recommendations.
To reduce brain injury in these patients, the guidelines also recommend activating hypothermia treatment before or at the same time as cardiac catheterization. Follow-up care after STEMI and cardiac rehabilitation referral are also key.
"We're looking to a future where more patients survive with less heart damage and function well for years thereafter," said O'Gara. "We hope the guidelines will clarify best practices for healthcare providers across the continuum of care of STEMI patients."
The guidelines were developed in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
For more information:
O'Gara PT. Circulation. 2012;doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e3182742cf6.
Disclosure: O'Gara reports no relevant financial disclosures.