What is the immediate treatment for a STEMI patient?

Aspirin is a critical first-line treatment for a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) patient because it acts as an antiplatelet agent. When a patient is experiencing a STEMI, there is a formation of a thrombus (blood clot) that obstructs blood flow to the heart muscle, causing ischemia. Aspirin works by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, which can help prevent further clot formation and improve blood flow if given promptly.

By reducing the clot formation, aspirin plays a vital role in minimizing the extent of myocardial injury. Administering aspirin early in the treatment of a STEMI can significantly improve patient outcomes. While other treatments like anticoagulants, nitroglycerin, and β-blockers are also important in the comprehensive management of STEMI, they typically follow aspirin in the sequence of interventions or are used in conjunction with it rather than as the immediate treatment.