What is an NSTEMI?
An NSTEMI, or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, is a type of heart attack. An NSTEMI occurs when a partial blockage of a coronary artery or a temporary disruption of blood flow prevents the heart from getting enough oxygen.
As the heart is deprived of oxygen, the heart muscle begins to deteriorate. The longer the heart goes without oxygen, the more damage occurs.
This type of heart attack gets its name from the fact that it doesn’t show an identifiable ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram, which is a sign of a complete blockage of the coronary artery. The ST elevation is a pattern of electrical signals in the heart.
Each year in the United States, more than 800,000 people experience a heart attack, and the vast majority of those are NSTEMIs.
NSTEMI vs. STEMI heart attacks
NSTEMI and STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) are both types of heart attacks. The difference between the two is that a STEMI heart attack causes ST-segment elevation on an EKG, while an NSTEMI does not.
A STEMI heart attack occurs when a coronary artery is completely blocked, which is what causes the ST segment to elevate on an EKG. An NSTEMI heart attack occurs when there’s a partial blockage or temporary disruption of blood flow, which shows up differently on an EKG, with more subtle changes.
NSTEMI symptoms
Symptoms of NSTEMI are the same as for other types of heart attacks. NSTEMI causes chest pain that may feel more like pressure, often occurs when you’re at rest and usually lasts more than 10 minutes. The pain may travel from your chest down one or both arms or to your neck or jaw.
You may have these other NSTEMI symptoms along with chest pain:
- Excessive sweating
- Fainting
- Feeling very tired
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
Women, people older than age 75 and those with diabetes, dementia and kidney disease are more likely to experience “atypical” symptoms during an NSTEMI, such as stabbing chest pain, abdominal pain and indigestion.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 if you experience symptoms of an NSTEMI or other type of heart attack. When a heart attack occurs, minutes matter. While you’re in transit to the hospital, the crew of emergency medical technicians can stabilize you and ensure you get the care you need as quickly as possible once you arrive at the hospital.
NSTEMI risk factors
While anyone of any age can have an NSTEMI heart attack, they’re most common in older men. A condition considered an indirect cause of oxygen deprivation in your heart increases your risk, as do other health conditions and certain lifestyle behaviors. Although you can’t control all your risk factors, knowing which ones you can change allows you to take steps to lower your risk.
Risk factors for NSTEMI include:
- Advanced age: The older you are, the higher your risk. The average age for acute coronary syndrome, such as an NSTEMI, is 68.
- Certain health conditions: Diabetes, kidney failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cause inflammation, which increases the risk of NSTEMI.
- Family history: Your heart attack risk is higher if you have family members with heart problems, especially a heart attack or other diagnosis at an early age.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking or using other forms of tobacco, physical inactivity, using recreational drugs and eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to atherosclerosis.
- Male sex: Males are more likely to have acute coronary syndrome.
Locations for NSTEMI care
Our cardiologists and emergency teams are dedicated to helping you recover from a heart attack as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Find high-quality emergency and follow-up heart care at locations across Texas.
