What is a STEMI?
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a type of heart attack. It occurs when a blockage stops all or nearly all blood flow through an artery leading to the heart. Left untreated, a STEMI can cause long-term complications and can be fatal.
STEMIs get their name from how they appear on an electrocardiogram (EKG). The ST segment is a pattern of electrical signals in the heart. On an EKG, the ST segment is typically flat, but a complete or nearly complete blockage causes it to elevate.
STEMI vs. NSTEMI heart attacks
STEMI and NSTEMI (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction) are both types of heart attacks. While a STEMI occurs when an artery is completely blocked, an NSTEMI occurs due to a partial blockage or temporary interruption of blood flow.
The two heart attacks also show up differently on an EKG. The blockage causing a STEMI creates a spike in the ST segment, which is visible on an EKG. An NSTEMI doesn’t cause a spike in the ST segment. EKGs usually show no changes in the heart’s electrical activity or a depressed ST segment, and doctors may need to order other tests to determine whether someone is having an NSTEMI.
Symptoms of STEMI
Symptoms of a STEMI are generally very typical heart attack symptoms. However, other symptoms are possible. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking emergency medical attention can help protect your heart from additional damage or even save your life.
Symptoms of a STEMI heart attack include:
- Chest pain or pressure that may radiate to the neck, arm or shoulder
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Upper abdominal pain
When to see a doctor
A STEMI is always a medical emergency. Call 911 if you experience classic heart attack symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath or excess sweating) or other STEMI symptoms.
STEMI risk factors
Many health conditions and lifestyle factors can increase your risk for STEMI and other types of heart attacks. Unfortunately, you have no control over certain heart attack risk factors. These include age, sex, your family history and your race. However, your lifestyle also plays a large role in your risk, and those factors are well within your control.
Risk factors for STEMI include:
- Age: Your risk increases as you grow older. On average, STEMIs occur at age 65 or later.
- Family history: Your risk is higher if your parents had heart disease.
- High blood pressure: Long-term high blood pressure damages blood vessels, causing scars where plaque may collect and slow blood flow.
- High cholesterol: Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can build up inside your arteries and form artery-clogging plaque.
- Obesity: Excess weight is linked to other STEMI risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Pre-existing health conditions: Unmanaged chronic conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis, increase your heart attack risk.
- Sex: Males have more heart attacks than females.
- Smoking: Tobacco use contributes to plaque buildup, increases blood pressure and cholesterol and thickens blood.
Locations for STEMI 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.
