As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain that an
ST segment depression is a diagnostic finding on an electrocardiogram (ECG) that can indicate a potential issue with the heart's electrical activity. The ST segment specifically represents the
interval between the ventricular depolarization and repolarization phases of the heart's electrical cycle. When the ST segment appears depressed, or lower than the isoelectric line (which is the flat baseline of the ECG), it can be a sign of
myocardial ischaemia or
infarction.
In simpler terms, the heart muscle may not be getting enough oxygen-rich blood, which can lead to chest pain or even a heart attack. However, it's important to note that ST segment depression can also be seen in other conditions and is not always indicative of a heart problem. It's crucial to consider the ECG in the context of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic tests.
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