What is the time goal for door-to-balloon time in STEMI management?

What is the time goal for door-to-balloon time in STEMI management?

• A. Within 60 minutes
• B. Within 90 minutes
• C. Within 120 minutes
• D. Within 150 minutes

Answer: (B)

Rapid reperfusion is essential in STEMI because every minute of delay increases heart muscle damage and worsens outcomes. The goal for door-to-balloon time is 90 minutes or less, measured from first medical contact to the moment the PCI balloon is inflated in the blocked artery. This tight target drives immediate cath-lab activation and coordination to minimize delay. If a PCI-capable center can’t meet this window, clinicians may consider fibrinolysis, but the preferred standard remains achieving balloon inflation within 90 minutes. Shorter times are associated with smaller infarct size, lower mortality, and better preserved heart function.

Rapid reperfusion is essential in STEMI because every minute of delay increases heart muscle damage and worsens outcomes. The goal for door-to-balloon time is 90 minutes or less, measured from first medical contact to the moment the PCI balloon is inflated in the blocked artery. This tight target drives immediate cath-lab activation and coordination to minimize delay. If a PCI-capable center can’t meet this window, clinicians may consider fibrinolysis, but the preferred standard remains achieving balloon inflation within 90 minutes. Shorter times are associated with smaller infarct size, lower mortality, and better preserved heart function.