What is STEMI? Signs, Warnings, and Treatment

Causes of STEMI

STEMI is usually caused by:

• Atherosclerosis: The accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the coronary arteries.

• Blood Clots: Formed from atherosclerotic plaques, these can completely block blood flow.

Symptoms of STEMI

Common symptoms include:

• Chest Pain: Usually severe pain, which can radiate to the shoulder, back, jaw, or upper abdomen.

• Shortness of Breath: A feeling of breathlessness or difficulty breathing.

• Sweating: Often profuse cold sweating.

• Nausea or Vomiting: Some patients may feel nauseous.

• Other Symptoms: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, exhaustion.

Factors Leading to ST Elevation

• Sedentary lifestyle, heavy use of stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, etc.

• Diet high in salt, sugar, or bad fats.

• Age: The older the age, the higher the risk of myocardial infarction.

• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic kidney disease.

• Genetic Factors: These are also one of the causes leading to STEMI.

Diagnosis and Treatment

STEMI diagnosis is usually performed through:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To detect ST-segment elevation.

• Blood Tests: To check for signs of heart damage.

• Coronary Angiography: To identify the location and extent of blockage.

• Echocardiography: To assess the extent of damage.

Treatment of STEMI

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is an emergency condition and requires rapid intervention to minimize myocardial damage. Timely emergency care helps recanalize the vessel lumen (restore blood flow), reduce myocardial damage, and decrease the risk of future sequelae.

Some emergency and treatment methods include:

• Medications: Such as aspirin, anticoagulants, nitroglycerin, and pain relievers.

• Coronary Intervention: Stent placement or artery bypass grafting to restore blood circulation.

• Risk Management: Lifestyle changes, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

STEMI is a medical emergency that needs to be detected and treated promptly to minimize damage to the heart muscle and improve prognosis. Early recognition of symptoms such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea is very important. The faster the patient is taken to a medical facility, the higher the effectiveness of treatment.