Timeliness of reperfusion is paramount in the management of patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Both fibrinolysis and primary percutaneous coronary intervention are inherently associated with patient and health-care system delays. In this Review, Jens F. Lassen and colleagues describe the types of delay to reperfusion and their effects on outcome, and discuss strategies to optimize reperfusion therapy in these patients.
- Jens F. Lassen
- Hans E. Bøtker
- Christian J. Terkelsen