What distinguishes STEMI from NSTEMI?

The distinction between STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) and NSTEMI (Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) is fundamentally based on the changes observed on an electrocardiogram (ECG) and the extent of coronary artery occlusion. In STEMI, there is a complete blockage of a coronary artery, which leads to significant damage to the heart muscle. This condition is characterized by ST-segment elevation on the ECG, indicating that a considerable portion of the heart muscle is affected and is not receiving adequate blood flow.

The presence of ST elevation suggests that there is an ongoing injury to the heart muscle, which requires immediate medical intervention, typically with reperfusion therapy to restore blood flow. This is in contrast to NSTEMI, which may involve partial occlusion of the coronary artery and is not associated with ST elevation but may present with other ECG changes like ST depression or T wave inversions or may be inconclusive.

Other options present misconceptions about the nature of STEMI and NSTEMI that are not accurate; for instance, one claims that NSTEMI requires no treatment, which is incorrect because both conditions are serious and require appropriate medical management, albeit the treatment approaches may differ. The overall understanding