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. 2016 Jun;16(3):277-82.
doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.16-3-277.

ST elevation myocardial infarction

Tawfiq Choudhury  1 , Nick Ej West  2 , Magdi El-Omar  1
Affiliations

ST elevation myocardial infarction

Tawfiq Choudhury et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2016 Jun.

Abstract

ST segment elevation myocardial infarction remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite a declining incidence and better survival rates. It usually results from thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery at the site of a ruptured or eroded plaque. Diagnosis is based on characteristic symptoms and electrocardiogram changes, and confirmed subsequently by raised cardiac enzymes. Prognosis is dependent on the size of the infarct, presence of collaterals and speed with which the occluded artery is reopened. Mechanical reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention is superior to fibrinolytic therapy if delivered by an experienced team in a timely fashion. Post-reperfusion care includes monitoring for complications, evaluation of left ventricular function, secondary preventive therapy and cardiac rehabilitation.

Keywords: ST elevation myocardial infarction; fibrinolysis; primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

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Figures

None
Fig 1. Mechanical reperfusion (with primary percutaneous coronary intervention) to an occluded circumflex artery. A – complete occlusion of circumflex artery (arrow). B – residual stenosis at site of plaque rupture following removal of thrombus (inset). C – widely patent artery following stent implantation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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