From first symptoms to follow-up, mapped in stages
Care pathways describe common stages of evaluation and treatment. They provide general context and do not represent an individualized medical plan.
Cardiac care pathway: post-MI to recovery
Presentation
Symptoms and initial emergency assessment
Diagnosis
ECG, biomarkers and diagnostic workup
Acute Treatment
Reperfusion and inpatient stabilization
Rehabilitation
Structured recovery and risk-factor management
Long-Term Follow-Up
Secondary prevention and monitoring
Stage 1 — Presentation
People with a suspected acute myocardial infarction typically undergo rapid assessment, including symptom review, vital signs, and an electrocardiogram.
What happens
Initial assessment, vital signs, ECG and early laboratory evaluation.
Patient information
Share symptom timing, relevant medical history and current medications with the care team.
Common diagnostic and treatment sequences
Stroke care pathway
Recognition → emergency assessment → imaging → treatment decision → rehabilitation and follow-up.
Clinical guidanceCancer diagnostic pathway
Abnormal finding → diagnostic testing → staging → treatment planning → follow-up.
Clinical guidanceJoint replacement pathway
Evaluation → preoperative planning → procedure → recovery → physical rehabilitation.
General pathwayPercutaneous coronary intervention
PCI is a catheter-based procedure used to open a narrowed or blocked coronary artery when clinically appropriate.
- Performed in a specialized cardiac procedure setting
- Approach and sedation depend on the clinical situation
- Recovery and hospital stay vary by individual circumstances
Preparing for a hospital procedure
- Follow the specific fasting instructions provided by your care team.
- Bring an up-to-date list of medications and supplements.
- Ask about transportation and post-procedure activity restrictions.
- Discuss any questions or concerns with the treating team before the procedure.