Optimizing Treatment for Acute Myocardial Infarction, a Continuous Effort

Early reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) or thrombolysis (TL) has decreased the morbimortality from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Latin America and worldwide. National and international guidelines recommend reperfusion, using either method, according to its availability at the medical center, for patients admitted within 12 hours of AMI symptom onset.^,

PPCI has been shown to be superior to TL, especially when performed at a specialized care center with the infrastructure, staff, and experience necessary to ensure good results and minimize complications.^– However, because of the high costs associated with implementing and developing cardiovascular intervention programs, the availability of centers with the capacity to perform this intervention varies by country and even by region within a given country.

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