As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain that ST elevation on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a significant finding that typically indicates
myocardial ischemia or injury. It represents the interval between
ventricular depolarization and repolarization. When the ST segment is elevated, it suggests that there is an abnormal amount of electrical activity occurring in the heart's ventricles during the phase between these two processes.
The most common cause of ST elevation is a blockage in a coronary artery, which can lead to a
heart attack (myocardial infarction). This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle, causing damage to the heart tissue. Other less common causes can include conditions like
pericarditis,
pulmonary embolism, or certain electrolyte imbalances.
It's important for healthcare providers to recognize ST elevation promptly, as it may require immediate intervention to restore blood flow to the heart and minimize damage.
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