STEMI stands for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
What does STEMI mean?
a major heart attack with ST elevation on the ECG
STEMI stands for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a serious type of heart attack in which a coronary artery is completely blocked, cutting off blood flow to part of the heart muscle. It is identified by elevation of the ST segment on the ECG and by raised cardiac markers such as troponin. A STEMI is a medical emergency that usually needs urgent reopening of the artery, either by percutaneous coronary intervention or clot-dissolving drugs. It is distinguished from NSTEMI, where the artery is not completely blocked and there is no ST elevation.
When is STEMI used?
STEMI is used in emergency, cardiology, and coronary care notes, and triggers time-critical treatment pathways.
Frequently asked questions
What does STEMI stand for?
STEMI stands for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a major heart attack with ST elevation on the ECG.
How is a STEMI treated?
It is a medical emergency treated by urgently reopening the blocked artery, usually with percutaneous coronary intervention or clot-dissolving drugs.
What is the difference between STEMI and NSTEMI?
In a STEMI the artery is completely blocked with ST elevation on the ECG, while in an NSTEMI it is not completely blocked and there is no ST elevation.
How is a STEMI diagnosed?
By ST-segment elevation on the ECG together with raised cardiac markers such as troponin.