What is an ST segment depression indicative of?

What is an ST segment depression indicative of?

• A. Myocardial infarction
• B. Myocardial ischemia
• C. Coronary artery spasm
• D. Cardiac arrest

Answer: (B)

ST segment depression on an ECG is indicative of myocardial ischemia, which occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle. This can be due to various factors, including increased oxygen demand or decreased oxygen supply, commonly seen during physical exertion or stress. In the context of an ECG, ST segment depression suggests that the myocardium is not receiving adequate oxygen, which may be due to conditions such as coronary artery disease. This finding is a critical alert for healthcare providers, as it can precede more severe cardiac events if not managed appropriately. It is often associated with angina pectoris, where the heart experiences pain due to insufficient blood flow. While myocardial infarction may also lead to ECG changes, it typically presents with ST segment elevation or more pronounced changes rather than just depression. Similarly, coronary artery spasm is characterized by transient ischemic events but does not specifically indicate the chronic condition reflected in ST segment depression. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is a critical condition where there is no effective heart rhythm, and this would not typically show ST segment changes on an ECG in a meaningful way. Thus, the correct interpretation of ST segment depression as indicative of myocardial ischemia helps in timely diagnosis and management of

ST segment depression on an ECG is indicative of myocardial ischemia, which occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle. This can be due to various factors, including increased oxygen demand or decreased oxygen supply, commonly seen during physical exertion or stress.

In the context of an ECG, ST segment depression suggests that the myocardium is not receiving adequate oxygen, which may be due to conditions such as coronary artery disease. This finding is a critical alert for healthcare providers, as it can precede more severe cardiac events if not managed appropriately. It is often associated with angina pectoris, where the heart experiences pain due to insufficient blood flow.

While myocardial infarction may also lead to ECG changes, it typically presents with ST segment elevation or more pronounced changes rather than just depression. Similarly, coronary artery spasm is characterized by transient ischemic events but does not specifically indicate the chronic condition reflected in ST segment depression. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is a critical condition where there is no effective heart rhythm, and this would not typically show ST segment changes on an ECG in a meaningful way.

Thus, the correct interpretation of ST segment depression as indicative of myocardial ischemia helps in timely diagnosis and management of