# Mean Activated Clotting Time of Patients Receiving Intravenous Heparin and Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

## TL;DR

This study examines the clotting time of patients receiving heparin during heart procedures and finds no clear link to bleeding or heart risks.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between activated clotting time and clinical outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.

## Key findings

- The average activated clotting time after PPCI was 350.56 seconds.
- ACT was higher in female, smoker, and overweight patients.
- No significant link was found between ACT and bleeding or ischemic complications.

## Abstract

Introduction

The most prevalent cause of death is acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has replaced thrombolysis as the recommended therapeutic option for individuals with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, more effective anticoagulation regimes are required for PCI due to the limitations of unfractionated heparin.

Objective

This study aimed to ascertain the connection between the mean activated clotting time and the risk of bleeding and infarcts in individuals receiving intravenous heparin during PPCI for STEMI.

Methods

This was a one-year prospective observational study carried out at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan.

Results

The majority (70.15%) were male, with a mean age of 56.08 ± 8.92 years. Following PPCI, the average active clotting time (ACT) was 350.56 ± 39.62 seconds (range 255 to 453), compared to the pre-PPCI mean of 504.15 ± 38.98 seconds. ACT was considerably higher in female patients, smokers, and overweight patients. The mean ACT was not significantly higher in patients with hypertension (HTN) and dyslipidemia (DLD).

Conclusion

The ACT range in this investigation was 255 to 453 seconds, and there was no discernible relationship between ACT readings and problems related to bleeding and ischemia. To determine who is more at risk, bleeding risk models should be used and improved further before catheterization.