Final answer:
STEMI or ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction is a severe form of heart attack marked by notable changes in the ST segment on an ECG, signifying complete blockage of a coronary artery and subsequent heart muscle damage. Swift diagnosis and treatment are critical to restore blood flow, often through angioplasty or medications. Blood tests showing elevated creatine kinase MB and cardiac troponin levels confirm the myocardial damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
STEMI, or ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, is a type of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, characterized by a significant elevation in the ST segment on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This elevation indicates a complete blockage of one of the coronary arteries, leading to substantial damage to the heart muscle as the cells are deprived of oxygen. The blockage is commonly caused by the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, which can result in the formation of a blood clot that obstructs blood flow. The diagnosis of a STEMI is critical for prompt intervention, usually involving the urgent restoration of blood flow through medical procedures like angioplasty or administration of clot-busting drugs. Blood tests play a crucial role in confirming an MI; elevated levels of creatine kinase MB and cardiac troponin are indicative of damage to cardiac muscle cells and provide further evidence of a STEMI. These enzymes and proteins are released into the bloodstream when myocardial cells are damaged or die because of the lack of blood supply.