In NSTEMI management, when is unfractionated heparin continued?

• A. Until PCI is performed or for 48 hours if medical management
• B. For 7 days
• C. Not used
• D. Only after discharge

Answer: (A)

In NSTEMI, anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin is used to prevent thrombus extension during the acute phase and through the chosen management path. If an invasive strategy with PCI is planned, heparin is continued up to the time of the PCI to protect against clot formation during the procedure. If the patient is managed medically without PCI, the typical course is to continue heparin for up to 48 hours to cover the acute period, after which decisions about stopping or switching anticoagulation are made based on risk and ongoing therapy. This matches the idea of continuing until PCI is performed or for a maximum of about 48 hours with medical management. Longer durations like seven days aren’t standard, and it’s not accurate to say it isn’t used or to persist only after discharge.