What does ST elevation on an ECG often indicate?

ST elevation on an ECG is a critical finding that often suggests acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to ischemia and potential damage. The ST segment represents the period between ventricular depolarization and repolarization; therefore, an elevation indicates a serious problem with the heart's electrical activity caused by myocardial injury.

When the heart muscle experiences a lack of oxygen due to compromised blood flow, it can lead to changes in the ECG, especially notable in the ST segment. Clinicians identify ST elevation to diagnose AMI early, allowing for timely intervention that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

In contrast, conditions such as heart failure, stable angina, and ventricular hypertrophy might present different ECG features. For example, heart failure can lead to various rhythm abnormalities but is not directly indicated by ST elevation alone. Stable angina typically raises concerns over transient ischemic events without the persistent ST elevation indicative of an acute infarct. Ventricular hypertrophy will usually demonstrate its own characteristic changes on the ECG, such as increased voltage in the QRS complexes, rather than elevation in the ST segment.