As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain the difference between a STEMI and a NSTEMI, which are two types of heart attacks. STEMI stands for ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. In a STEMI, there is a complete blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle, causing the top part of the heart muscle to die. The "ST-segment elevation" refers to a specific pattern seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. NSTEMI, on the other hand, stands for Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Similar to a STEMI, an NSTEMI is also caused by a blockage in a coronary artery, but the blockage is not complete. This means that some oxygen-rich blood can still reach the heart muscle, but not enough to keep the heart muscle healthy. An NSTEMI does not cause the same characteristic ST-segment elevation on an ECG as a STEMI does. The treatment for both types of heart attacks typically involves restoring blood flow to the heart muscle as quickly as possible. However, the urgency and specific treatment methods may differ. STEMIs are considered more severe and often require immediate intervention, such as angioplasty or stenting, to reopen the blocked artery. NSTEMIs may be managed with medication and less immediate intervention, depending on the severity and individual risk factors. read more >>

Both a STEMI and non-STEMI heart attack are equally dangerous. ... A STEMI or ST-elevation myocardial infarction is caused by a sudden complete (100%) blockage of a heart artery (coronary artery). A non-STEMI is usually caused by a severely narrowed artery but the artery is usually not completely blocked.read more >>