What does STEMI stand for?

STEMI stands for ST Segment Elevated Myocardial Infarction. This term is used in cardiology to describe a specific type of heart attack that is characterized by changes observed in the electrocardiogram (ECG). During a STEMI, there is a significant elevation in the ST segment of the ECG, indicating that there is an ongoing injury to the heart muscle, specifically due to a lack of blood flow typically caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries.

The importance of recognizing a STEMI is critical in clinical practice because it requires prompt intervention, often in the form of reperfusion therapy such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolysis, to restore blood flow to the affected area of the heart and minimize damage. The identification of the ST segment elevation allows healthcare providers to differentiate this type of myocardial infarction from other forms, such as non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), which may have different treatment pathways and implications for patient care.

Understanding this terminology is fundamental for anyone involved in healthcare, particularly in fields related to cardiac care and interventional radiology, where timely recognition of conditions like STEMI can significantly influence patient outcomes.