Reperfusion therapy for ST elevation myocardial infarction in low- to middle-income countries: a clinical consensus statement of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC), the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis, and the Stent - Save a Life! Initiative.
European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care · 2025-09-09 · Guideline / consensus
Abstract
Suboptimal care for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income countries is a significant problem. Registries from Latin America, Africa, and Asia show that <65% of patients receive reperfusion therapy, and widespread treatment delays and a lack of access to optimal therapies lead to preventable deaths and complications. While current guidelines provide a blueprint for care, their implementation in low-resource settings requires specific guidance that considers geographical, logistical, and economic realities. This clinical consensus offers a new framework for developing STEMI care systems in these countries. We propose a flexible, three-model pathway, based on the initiatives such as STEMI India and Stent - Save a Life. The models include a fibrinolysis model, a pharmaco-invasive strategy model, and a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) model. This approach emphasizes adaptability, allowing local STEMI systems to be tailored to specific circumstances. The framework also addresses specific, common challenges, such as delayed access to primary PCI, reperfusion in patients with cardiogenic shock and expected delayed PCI, fibrinolysis in patients with a high risk of bleeding, and the absence of fibrin-specific fibrinolytics, catheterization labs, or reperfusion therapies at all. The consensus also highlights the importance of continuous improvement, patient education, and adopting secondary prevention strategies. Ultimately, this framework is designed to help healthcare providers and leaders in developing countries improve their regional STEMI care systems.
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Tags
Antithrombotics & thrombolytics · Thrombolytics · Cost & cost-effectiveness · Implementation · Low- and middle-income settings
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