Clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome patients in a PCI-Limited setting: a prospective study from Bhutan

Among the cases of acute coronary syndrome, 58% were classified as NSTEMI and 33% as STEMI. A majority of patients presented to the hospital within 24 h, expressing complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath, and received essential thrombolytic therapy. Approximately 48% of these patients developed complications, and over one-third were referred overseas for additional treatment. This study indicates that acute coronary syndrome is an emerging public health concern in Bhutan, underscoring the urgent necessity for the establishment of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within the country to mitigate the need for overseas referrals.