What should be administered to patients undergoing PCI?

In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the administration of unfractionated heparin or bivalirudin is essential for several reasons. These anticoagulants help to prevent thrombus formation during the procedure, which is critical because PCI involves manipulating the coronary arteries, thereby risking the creation of new clots. Their use facilitates a safe and effective intervention by maintaining blood flow and reducing the risk of myocardial ischemia or infarction during and after the procedure.

Unfractionated heparin provides rapid anticoagulation and allows for easy titration to achieve the desired activated clotting time. Bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is utilized as an alternative to heparin, particularly in patients with a higher risk of bleeding or those who may develop heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

In contrast, fluid resuscitation may be necessary for patients who present with low blood volume or dehydration, but it is not a standard requirement specifically for PCI. Thrombolytic agents are typically reserved for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who cannot undergo PCI in a timely manner, as they can increase the risk of bleeding complications during the intervention. An increase in oral antihypertensives is