Definition:

The first hour after a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Thrombolytic therapy, or "clot busting," is indicated for the treatment an MI if the drug can be administered within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms, the patient is eligible based on exclusion criteria, and primary PCI is not immediately available. The effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy is highest in the first 1-2 hours (the golden hour). After 12 hours, the risk associated with thrombolytic therapy outweighs any benefit. Because irreversible injury occurs within 2–4 hours of the infarction, there is a limited window of time available for reperfusion to work.

Usage:

The golden hour has past. We're going to have to do a bypass.

Synonyms:

golden window

Created Dec 23, 2009