Sudden cardiac arrest in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires an immediate and highly coordinated emergency response to optimize survival and neurological outcomes.
We report a case of a previously healthy 38-year-old male who suffered sudden cardiac arrest while being transferred to planned percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following an anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI) diagnosis. High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated immediately by trained hospital personnel when the patient collapsed en route to the cardiac catherization (CATH) laboratory.
A 12-lead ECG pointed towards AWMI, and coronary angiography revealed a 99% proximal LAD occlusion. Primary PCI with stent placement was completed with an ultra-rapid 15-minute door-to-balloon time.
Severe hypokalemia was identified as a likely arrhythmogenic trigger. The patient achieved full neurological recovery and preserved cardiac function at discharge and remained clinically stable one year post-event.
This case underscores how immediate CPR, rapid team coordination, and system readiness can produce excellent outcomes even in physiologically high-risk scenarios.
Keywords: Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Door-to-Balloon Time; Emergency Cardiac Care; Left Anterior Descending Artery Occlusion; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction; Systems Efficiency.
Citation: Shanavas, R. S., & Reddy, R. S. (2025). Making the Golden Hour Count: STEMI Cardiac Arrest Rescued by Immediate CPR and A 15-Minute Door-To-Balloon Time. J Medical Case Repo 7(4):1-7.
DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/2767-5416.1132