Zwolle Risk Score (Post-PCI): Comprehensive Explanation and Clinical Context
The Zwolle Risk Score was developed to predict 30-day mortality and assess early discharge eligibility for STEMI patients after primary PCI. It incorporates six clinical and angiographic variables easily obtainable post-procedure: age, Killip class, TIMI flow, three-vessel disease, anterior infarction, and ischemic time.
Clinical Significance: A total score =3 identifies low-risk patients suitable for early discharge, while scores >8 indicate high-risk cases requiring prolonged monitoring and intensive care. Interpretation Summary: <3 = Low risk (<1% mortality) – candidate for early discharge;
4–7 = Intermediate risk (1–10%);
>8 = High risk (>10%) – close ICU observation. Reference:
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2. De Luca G, Suryapranata H, Ottervanger JP, Antman EM. Time delay to treatment and mortality in primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: every minute of delay counts. Circulation. 2004;109(10):1223–1225.