Coronary Artery Disease (STEMI)

Coronary artery disease (STEMI) is a serious heart condition where one of the main arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes suddenly blocked. This blockage usually happens because of a blood clot forming on a ruptured plaque inside the artery. The heart muscle then does not get enough oxygen, causing severe chest pain and damage to the heart tissue. This condition affects the cardiovascular system and can lead to a heart attack if not treated quickly. Symptoms often include intense chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to restore blood flow and prevent permanent heart damage.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a type of acute coronary syndrome characterized by complete occlusion of a coronary artery, most commonly due to rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque followed by thrombus formation. This results in transmural ischemia and necrosis of the myocardium supplied by the affected artery. The hallmark of STEMI is persistent chest pain with electrocardiographic evidence of ST-segment elevation in contiguous leads, indicating full-thickness myocardial injury. It is a critical condition requiring urgent reperfusion therapy to limit infarct size and reduce mortality. STEMI is distinguished from non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) by the presence of ST elevation and usually more extensive myocardial damage. The pathophysiology involves endothelial dysfunction, plaque instability, platelet aggregation, and activation of the coagulation cascade.