What does ST segment elevation indicate?

What does ST segment elevation indicate?

• A. Stable angina
• B. Physiological blockage
• C. Injury/acuteness of the infarct
• D. Cardiac relaxation

Answer: (C)

ST segment elevation is a significant finding on an EKG that typically indicates the presence of myocardial injury, often due to acute myocardial infarction or heart attack. When there is damage to the heart muscle, such as from a lack of blood supply, the cells become depolarized, leading to this distinct elevation in the ST segment of the EKG tracing.

This elevation suggests that the affected area of the heart is experiencing acute injury or stress, making it crucial to assess and intervene quickly. In the context of an acute myocardial infarction, timely identification of ST segment elevation can guide appropriate patient management, potentially involving procedures like angioplasty or medication to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage.

In contrast, stable angina is typically associated with episodes of chest pain that resolve with rest and usually does not show ST segment elevation. Physiological blockage would not create the same acute changes evident in an EKG due to ischemia or injury. Cardiac relaxation pertains to the diastolic phase of the heartbeat and is not directly related to the acute changes indicated by ST segment elevation.