STEMI
Pronunciation: STEM-ee
Also written as: STEMI — ST-elevation myocardial infarction
ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a severe type of heart attack characterized by complete blockage of a coronary artery.
Full Definition
STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) represents a medical emergency where a coronary artery is completely blocked, causing characteristic ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram. In cardiac imaging, STEMI appears as regional wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography and specific enhancement patterns on cardiac MRI. This acronym is universally used in cardiology and emergency medicine documentation. Editors should note the distinction from NSTEMI (non-ST-elevation MI) and ensure proper capitalization.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize. Distinguished from NSTEMI. Can be used as adjective (STEMI patient) or noun (patient had a STEMI).
In Context
- "Emergency cardiac catheterization revealed acute STEMI in the LAD territory." — Emergency department report
- "Post-STEMI echocardiography showed anterior wall hypokinesis." — Follow-up imaging report