Prehospital heparin administration in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) offers a practical strategy to facilitate early restoration of blood flow in the infarct-related artery before hospital arrival. A key advantage of heparin over other agents studied for this purpose is its low cost, widespread availability, and well-established safety profile, making it highly accessible in diverse care settings. By initiating anticoagulation early, this approach aims to support reperfusion without introducing additional harm. Given these benefits, it has strong potential for translation into routine clinical practice, particularly in systems focused on rapid, prehospital STEMI care.

In this interview, Kim Allan Williams Sr., MD, MACC and Misa Fister, MD, PhD examine ‘Prehospital Heparin Administration In Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI’.

Related References:

1. Fister M, Noc M, Radsel P, et al. Prehospital Heparin Administration in Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI: HEPARIN STEMI Randomized Controlled Trial. Circulation. Published online March 30, 2026. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.126.079839
2. 2. Fister M, Mikuz U, Ziberna K, et al. Early unfractionated heparin treatment in patients with STEMI - trial design and rationale. PLoS One. 2024;19(5):e0303376. Published 2024 May 9. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0303376