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.
Myocardial Infarction and ECG: A Patient's Guide
Introduction
Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, leading to tissue damage. One of the most important tools for diagnosing a heart attack is the electrocardiogram (ECG).
Understanding ECG in Myocardial Infarction
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. The changes in electrical patterns can help doctors identify a heart attack and determine its severity and location.
1. Key ECG Changes in Myocardial Infarction
- ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
- ST-segment elevation of more than 1 mm in at least two contiguous leads.
- Indicates a full-thickness injury of the heart muscle.
- Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)
- No ST-segment elevation but may show T-wave inversions or ST-segment depressions.
- Indicates a partial blockage of a coronary artery.
2. Localizing the Infarction on ECG
- Anterior MI: ST elevation in leads V1-V4 (LAD artery involvement).
- Inferior MI: ST elevation in leads II, III, aVF (Right coronary artery involvement).
- Lateral MI: ST elevation in leads I, aVL, V5, V6 (Left circumflex artery involvement).
- Posterior MI: ST depressions in V1-V3 (indirect signs, may need posterior leads).
Clinical Importance
- Differentiating MI from other conditions: ECG changes must always be correlated with symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath) and blood tests (troponins).
- Emergency action: A STEMI requires immediate intervention such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore blood flow.
- Ongoing monitoring: Dynamic ECG changes can guide treatment decisions.
Conclusion
Understanding the ECG patterns in myocardial infarction helps in rapid diagnosis and treatment. If you experience chest pain or other heart-related symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23256914/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000134791.68010.fa
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073510972106157X
2. European Society of Cardiology 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://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/14/1289/5898842
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21873419/
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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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