Reperfusion should ideally be performed within how many hours of symptom onset in ACS?

Reperfusion therapy is crucial in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly for patients experiencing ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The optimal timing for reperfusion therapy, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolysis, is within 12 hours of symptom onset.

When administered within this timeframe, reperfusion can significantly reduce the size of the myocardial infarction and improve clinical outcomes, including survival rates and the preservation of heart function. The 12-hour window is based on clinical evidence indicating that the risk-benefit ratio favors intervention during this period. Beyond this timeframe, the risk of myocardial tissue death and associated complications increases, which diminishes the effectiveness of reperfusion strategies.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the importance of timely intervention in, an effort to optimize recovery and minimize long-term heart damage following ACS.