Case Study: Successful Primary PCI in a 40-Year-Old Male With Acute Heart Attack (STEMI)

Introduction

Heart attacks are increasingly affecting younger individuals due to changing lifestyles, stress, smoking, diabetes, and undetected risk factors. Prompt diagnosis and rapid intervention are critical to saving heart muscle and life.

This case study highlights the successful management of an acute myocardial infarction in a 40-year-old male through timely Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) at ONUS Robotic Hospitals, under the expert care of our cardiology team.


Treating Doctors

🩺Dr. D. Naveen Reddy
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
Specialist in coronary angiography, primary PCI, and advanced interventional procedures

🩺 Dr. Vaasanthi Chintala
Consultant Cardiologist
Expert in acute cardiac care, diagnosis, and post-intervention cardiac management


Patient Profile

  • Age: 40 Years

  • Gender: Male

  • Presenting Complaint:
    Sudden onset severe chest pain radiating to the left arm, associated with profuse sweating and restlessness.


Clinical Presentation

The patient presented to the emergency department with:

  • Severe retrosternal chest pain lasting more than 60 minutes

  • Pain radiating to the left upper limb

  • Associated sweating, anxiety, and restlessness

Based on the clinical presentation, Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) was strongly suspected.


Initial Evaluation

Emergency Assessment

  • ECG: ST-segment changes suggestive of acute myocardial ischemia

  • Vitals: Hemodynamically stable

  • Cardiac Enzymes: Elevated Troponin levels

  • Diagnosis: Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

The patient was immediately shifted to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for emergency coronary angiography.


Coronary Angiography Findings – Before PCI

Emergency coronary angiography revealed:

  • Critical stenosis in the culprit coronary artery

  • Significantly compromised distal blood flow (TIMI flow reduced)

  • Other coronary arteries: Mild to moderate non-obstructive disease

📌 Before PCI Angiography

(Demonstrating critical narrowing and poor distal flow)


Intervention Performed – Emergency Primary PCI

Procedure: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug-Eluting Stent

Under the expertise of Dr. D. Naveen Reddy, emergency Primary PCI was performed.

Procedure Steps

  • Lesion successfully crossed with guidewire

  • Balloon pre-dilatation performed

  • Drug-eluting stent deployed across the lesion

  • Post-dilatation done to ensure optimal stent expansion

  • Final angiogram confirmed complete restoration of blood flow

📌 After PCI Angiography

(Showing restored TIMI III flow and patent coronary artery)


Post-Procedure Outcome

The patient showed excellent recovery:

✅ Complete relief of chest pain
✅ Hemodynamically stable throughout
✅ No procedural complications
✅ ECG changes showed significant improvement
✅ Final angiogram showed TIMI III flow
✅ Patient mobilized within 24 hours


Hospital Course & Ongoing Care

Post-procedure, the patient was managed in the Cardiac ICU under the supervision of Dr. Vasanthi Chintala.

Medical Management Included

  • Dual antiplatelet therapy

  • High-intensity statins

  • Beta-blockers

  • Anticoagulation as per protocol

  • Risk factor modification and lifestyle counseling

The patient remained stable and was discharged with clear follow-up and rehabilitation guidance.


Key Learning Points From This Case

🔹 Heart Attacks Can Occur at a Young Age

Even individuals in their 40s are at risk.

🔹 Early Intervention Saves Heart Muscle

Rapid response and door-to-balloon time are crucial.

🔹 Primary PCI Is the Gold Standard for STEMI

Immediate angioplasty with stenting offers the best survival outcomes.

🔹 Team-Based Cardiac Care Matters

Combined expertise in clinical cardiology and interventional cardiology ensures optimal patient outcomes.


Why Choose ONUS Robotic Hospitals for Heart Attack Treatment?

  • 24/7 Emergency Cath Lab Services

  • Experienced Cardiologists & Interventional Cardiologists

  • Advanced Drug-Eluting Stent Technology

  • Cardiac ICU With Continuous Monitoring

  • Rapid STEMI Protocols

  • Comprehensive Post-PCI Follow-Up Care


Conclusion

This case demonstrates how timely diagnosis, rapid coronary angiography, and expert Primary PCI can save lives—even in young patients with acute heart attacks. Early treatment ensured restoration of blood flow, prevented major heart damage, and enabled quick recovery.

⚠️ Chest pain is a medical emergency. Do not delay seeking care.

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