<P> Thrombolytic therapy is indicated for the treatment of STEMI -- if it can begin within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms , and the person is eligible based on exclusion criteria , and a coronary angioplasty is not immediately available . Thrombolysis is most effective in the first 2 hours . After 12 hours , the risk of intracranial bleeding associated with thrombolytic therapy outweighs any benefit . Because irreversible injury occurs within 2 -- 4 hours of the infarction , there is a limited window of time available for reperfusion to work . </P>
<P> Thrombolytic therapy is indicated for the treatment of STEMI -- if it can begin within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms , and the person is eligible based on exclusion criteria , and a coronary angioplasty is not immediately available . Thrombolysis is most effective in the first 2 hours . After 12 hours , the risk of intracranial bleeding associated with thrombolytic therapy outweighs any benefit . Because irreversible injury occurs within 2 -- 4 hours of the infarction , there is a limited window of time available for reperfusion to work . </P>
the maximum window of time a fibrinolytic can be administered ​ is
the maximum window of time a fibrinolytic can be administered ​ is
2 -- 4 hours of the infarction
2 -- 4 hours of the infarction