In this section : Cardiac
Primary and Secondary Prevention
Deactivation of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Extravasation of IV Amiodarone
Anticoagulation for AF, DVT and PE
Patients Returning from Interventional Cardiac Procedure
Cardiology Referrals
STEMI Thrombolysis Protocol
STEMI
Hypertensive Emergencies
Rate Control in AF
Heart Failure
Aortic Dissection
Non ST Elevation MI (NSTEMI)
Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome
Pericardiocentesis
Pacemakers
Indications for Echocardiography
Bradycardia
Narrow Complex Tachycardia
Anti-Platelet Therapy in Coronary Heart Disease
Management of Acute AF
Rhythm Control in AF
Atrial Fibrillation
Hypertension
Ventricular Tachycardia
Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Coronary Syndrome
Telemetry
STEMI Thrombolysis Protocol
Last updated 27th March 2025
Introduction
- PCI strategy is recommended over Thrombolysis within indicated time frames (time to reperfusion ≤120 mins from diagnostic ECG). This is roughly broken down as:
- 20 mins to leave scene
- 70 mins transfer time
- 30 mins door to balloon time at PCI centre
- Email ECG to [email protected] and then phone the on call Cardiologist at Hairmyres on 01355 584817 (or 01355 584819 if line busy) to discuss whether to arrange emergency transfer to Hairmyres or thrombolyse.
- If timely PCI cannot be performed after STEMI diagnosis, thrombolysis is recommended within 6 hours of symptom onset (greatest benefit within 3 hours), in patients without contraindications.
Absolute Contraindications to Thrombolysis
- Haemorrhagic stroke or stroke of unknown origin at any time
- Ischaemic stroke in preceding 6 months
- Central nervous system damage / neoplasms
- Major trauma / surgery / head injury within preceding 3 weeks
- Gastrointestinal bleeding within the last month
- Known bleeding disorderAortic dissection
Relative Contraindication – Discuss with Senior Staff Before Withholding
- Transient ischaemic attack in preceding 6 months
- Oral anticoagulant therapy
- Pregnancy or within 1-month post-partum
- Non-compressible punctures <24 hours
- Traumatic resuscitation
- Refractory hypertension (systolic BP >180mmHg) [IV GTN infusion if required]
- Advanced liver disease
- Infective endocarditis
- Active peptic ulcer
- Terminal illness
STEMI Thrombolysis Protocol
- Once decision has been made for thrombolysis, do so promptly. Target time form diagnostic ECG to thrombolysis is 10 mins.
- Drugs and dosages are as follows
- Tenecteplase (see table below for dosages) – bolus over 10 seconds; half dose if age ≥75
- Aspirin 300mg
- Clopidogrel 300mg (75mg if age ≥75)
- IV Unfractionated Heparin bolus 5000units
- Immediate transfer to Hairmyres and advise Hairmyres CCU of ETA (do not wait to assess reperfusion).
Tenecteplase Single Weight Adjusted Bolus over 10 Seconds – Half dose if age ≥75
Following Thrombolysis
- Perform 60-90 minute ECG to assess reperfusion.
- Rescue PCI is indicated immediately when fibrinolysis has failed (<50% ST-segment resolution at 60-90 mins).
- Angiography and PCI of the infarct related artery, if indicated, is recommended between 2 and 24 hours after successful fibrinolysis.
- Anticoagulation with treatment dose subcutaneous Enoxaparin (1mg/kg BD) should be administered in Hairmyres CCU, until coronary angiography.