NSTEMI stands for Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
What does NSTEMI mean?
a heart attack without ST elevation on the ECG
NSTEMI stands for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a type of heart attack in which the coronary artery is partly but not completely blocked. There is damage to the heart muscle, shown by raised cardiac markers such as troponin, but the ECG does not show the ST-segment elevation seen in a STEMI. It is still a serious event and part of the group called acute coronary syndromes. Treatment focuses on medication, stabilizing the patient, and often coronary angiography, though usually less immediately than for a STEMI.
When is NSTEMI used?
NSTEMI appears in emergency, cardiology, and coronary care notes as part of the acute coronary syndrome spectrum.
Frequently asked questions
What does NSTEMI stand for?
NSTEMI stands for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a heart attack without ST elevation on the ECG.
How is NSTEMI different from STEMI?
In an NSTEMI the artery is partly blocked with no ST elevation, while in a STEMI it is completely blocked with ST elevation.
Is NSTEMI serious?
Yes. It is a real heart attack with heart muscle damage and is part of the acute coronary syndromes.
How is NSTEMI diagnosed?
By raised cardiac markers such as troponin, with an ECG that does not show ST-segment elevation.