As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain that an
ST abnormality on an electrocardiogram (ECG) refers to any deviation from the normal ST segment pattern. The ST segment represents the period in the heart's electrical cycle when the ventricles are depolarized and are in the process of repolarizing.
Abnormalities in the ST segment, which can manifest as either
elevation or
depression, are often indicative of underlying cardiac conditions. The most critical cause of ST segment
abnormality is
myocardial ischaemia or
infarction, which are situations where the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood supply, leading to potential damage or death of heart tissue.
Other causes can include electrolyte imbalances, certain medications, or other systemic diseases affecting the heart. It's important to note that the interpretation of ST segment changes must be considered within the clinical context of the patient, as there are many potential causes and not all changes are necessarily indicative of a serious condition.
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