STEMI
Pronunciation: STEM-ee
Also written as: STEMI — ST-elevation myocardial infarction
ST-elevation myocardial infarction - a severe heart attack with characteristic ECG changes requiring emergency treatment.
Full Definition
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represents the most severe form of acute coronary syndrome, characterized by complete or near-complete occlusion of a coronary artery resulting in transmural myocardial necrosis. The diagnosis requires clinical presentation consistent with acute coronary syndrome plus ST-segment elevation on ECG in a regional pattern corresponding to a specific coronary territory. STEMI constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate reperfusion therapy, preferably primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 90 minutes of first medical contact, or fibrinolytic therapy if PCI is not available within appropriate timeframes. The condition carries significant morbidity and mortality risk, with outcomes strongly dependent on time to treatment. Post-STEMI care includes dual antiplatelet therapy, statins, ACE inhibitors, and cardiac rehabilitation.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify anatomical location when possible (anterior, inferior, etc.); distinguish from NSTEMI.
In Context
- "The patient presented with acute anterior STEMI and underwent emergent primary PCI." — Emergency department documentation
- "Door-to-balloon time for this inferior STEMI was 75 minutes, meeting quality benchmarks." — Quality improvement report