Primary PCI: have we traded quality of life for survival?

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has an incidence of around 1 in 1000 of the UK population. Since 2008, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has been considered the gold standard management, and the mortality benefits of this approach versus the previous standard treatment of thrombolysis are well documented. There is less evidence around the quality of life outcomes of patients who undergo PPCI for STEMI, despite the fact that even after a successful procedure, they may be left with impaired heart function (heart failure). This article sets out to explore the issues related to morbidity and quality of life post PPCI, and what, if anything, could be done to improve these outcomes for patients.