About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding ECG in Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial tool for diagnosing myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. MI occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, leading to tissue damage or death.
Key ECG Changes in Myocardial Infarction
1. ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
- ST-Segment Elevation: Indicates complete blockage of a coronary artery and requires urgent intervention.
- Pathological Q Waves: Develop later, signaling permanent myocardial damage.
- Hyperacute T Waves: Often the earliest sign, preceding ST-elevation.
2. Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)
- ST-Segment Depression: Suggests partial blockage and ischemia.
- T-Wave Inversion: Signals myocardial ischemia or reperfusion.
- No Pathological Q Waves: Unlike STEMI.
The Importance of ECG Timing
- First 10 minutes: Every patient with suspected MI should receive an immediate ECG.
- Serial ECGs: Changes evolve over time; repeated ECGs help in diagnosis.
- Comparison with Previous ECGs: Essential for accurate interpretation.
Additional Diagnostic Tools
- Blood Tests (Troponins): Confirms myocardial damage.
- Echocardiography: Evaluates heart function and identifies complications.
- Coronary Angiography: Determines the extent of blockage.
Conclusion
Recognizing ECG changes in MI promptly saves lives. If you experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek medical help immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on ECG and Myocardial Infarction
- https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-coronary-artery-disease/get-with-the-guidelines-cad-rural-recognition
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.94.9.2341
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0b013e3182742cf6
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Acute Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/14/1289/5898842
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860058/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.