For thrombolytic therapy to be most effective after a myocardial infarction (MI), it should ideally be administered within how many hours?

Thrombolytic therapy is most effective when administered within the first few hours after the onset of myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to quickly dissolve the blood clot that is obstructing blood flow to the heart muscle, thereby limiting the extent of damage and preserving heart function.

Research indicates that administering thrombolytics within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms significantly improves outcomes, with patients experiencing a greater chance of survival and reduced complications. The benefits of thrombolysis diminish as time elapses, making the 3-hour window critical for maximizing the treatment’s efficacy. As time extends beyond this period, the likelihood of myocardial tissue damage increases, and the potential for successful reperfusion declines.