Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

Which flow rate in the TIMI classification indicates normal blood flow?

1. TIMI 0

2. TIMI 1

3. TIMI 2

4. TIMI 3

The correct answer is: TIMI 3

The TIMI classification system is used to assess blood flow through coronary arteries during angiographic procedures. In this system, a TIMI 3 flow rate is characterized by normal or optimal blood flow, indicating that the vessel is fully open and blood is circulating freely. This classification reflects not only the absence of significant blockage but also the capacity for adequate perfusion of the myocardium. This understanding is critical in clinical settings, as achieving TIMI 3 flow is often a primary goal during interventions such as angioplasty or thrombolysis, since it is associated with better clinical outcomes and lower rates of further cardiac events. In contrast, other classifications denote various levels of restricted blood flow; TIMI 0 suggests no perfusion, TIMI 1 indicates minimal flow with limited perfusion, and TIMI 2 denotes partial flow but still does not achieve the normality represented by TIMI 3. Thus, TIMI 3 serves as the benchmark for normal function in the context of coronary circulation.