European Society of Cardiology ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Guidelines in Perspective - Focused on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Patients suffering acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) require full attention of the whole STEMI network to save their lives and to improve the quality of life after a heart attack. Implementation of the most recent European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) STEMI Guidelines into the practice is the holy grail of the healthcare systems and all stakeholders. In relation to this, the Stent for Life Initiative can serve as one of very successful and effective models in Europe and beyond. Although the evidence-based approach may be applied to majority of patients, the tailored and updated therapy needs to be modified in concordance with the patients´ risk profile, experience and availability of medical resources. Some 'hot topics', issues, differences between the ESC and ACC/AHA Guidelines, latest information and perspectives are discussed in this short review; focused on primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as the most effective reperfusion therapy.