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.
ECG of a Myocardial Infarction (MI) Patient
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial diagnostic tool for myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. Early identification of ECG changes can save lives by enabling prompt treatment.
Key ECG Changes in MI
ST-Elevation MI (STEMI):
- ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous leads.
- Reciprocal ST-segment depression in opposite leads.
- Pathological Q waves indicating myocardial necrosis.
Non-ST-Elevation MI (NSTEMI):
- ST-segment depression or T-wave inversion.
- No ST-segment elevation.
- Biomarker (troponin) elevation confirms diagnosis.
Other Changes:
- Hyperacute T-waves as an early sign.
- New left bundle branch block (LBBB) may indicate an MI.
Differential Diagnosis
Other conditions can mimic MI on ECG, such as pericarditis, left ventricular hypertrophy, or early repolarization. Therefore, correlation with symptoms and cardiac biomarkers is essential.
Next Steps after ECG Diagnosis
- Immediate treatment: Oxygen, nitrates, antiplatelet therapy (aspirin), and pain control.
- Intervention: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (preferred) or thrombolysis (if PCI is unavailable).
- Monitoring: Continuous ECG monitoring in a cardiac care unit.
Conclusion
ECG is an invaluable tool in diagnosing MI and guiding treatment. Recognizing early signs of MI on an ECG is critical for timely and life-saving interventions.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of 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://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/08/29/14/01/2023-esc-guidelines-acs-esc-2023
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320110/
2. American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15289388/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2021-acc-aha-scai-guideline-for-coronary-artery-revascularization
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0b013e3182742cf6
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073510972106157X
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000134791.68010.fa
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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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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.