Which therapies achieve early reperfusion in STEMI?

• A. Anticoagulants alone
• B. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention and fibrinolytics
• C. Observation without revascularization
• D. Dietary modification

Answer: (B)

Restoring blood flow quickly to the heart muscle is the goal of reperfusion therapy in STEMI. The two proven ways to achieve early reperfusion are primary PCI and fibrinolytic therapy. Primary PCI mechanically opens the blocked artery via a catheter and often places a stent, and it’s preferred when it can be done promptly. Fibrinolytic therapy uses clot-dissolving drugs to break up the occluding thrombus when PCI isn’t available quickly enough.

Anticoagulants alone don’t restore flow fast enough; they prevent further clotting but don’t promptly re-open the blocked vessel. Observation without revascularization and dietary modification do not address the acute blockage. So the best options for early reperfusion are PCI and fibrinolytics.