What does ST elevation on an ECG commonly indicate?

ST elevation on an ECG is a significant finding that typically indicates the presence of myocardial infarction, particularly ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This condition arises when there is a complete blockage of a coronary artery, leading to damage to the heart muscle due to a lack of oxygen. The characteristic elevation of the ST segment on the ECG reflects the acute changes that occur in the cardiac tissue as a result of this ischemia.

In STEMI, the elevation signifies that a significant portion of the myocardium is undergoing injury, and prompt medical intervention is crucial to restore blood flow and minimize damage. Besides, other abnormalities associated with heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or heart block, typically do not exhibit ST elevation as their main feature. Similarly, while ventricular tachycardia can lead to serious complications, its primary ECG characteristics differ from those seen in myocardial infarction. Thus, recognizing ST elevation is vital for the immediate treatment of a heart attack, confirming why the indication aligns specifically with myocardial infarction.