Which ECG finding is typical of STEMI and would prompt urgent cath lab activation?

Which ECG finding is typical of STEMI and would prompt urgent cath lab activation?

• A. ST-segment elevation in multiple contiguous leads
• B. ST-segment depression only
• C. Normal sinus rhythm with no ST changes
• D. T-wave inversion alone without ST changes

Answer: (A)

ST-segment elevation in multiple contiguous leads indicates transmural myocardial injury from an acute coronary occlusion. This pattern shows that a large territory of the heart is acutely ischemic, requiring immediate reperfusion. Activating the cath lab is essential to rapidly perform revascularization (PCI) and minimize heart muscle damage, improving outcomes. Other patterns like ST-segment depression, T-wave inversion alone, or a normal ECG do not reflect the same acute transmural event and are not diagnostic of STEMI, so they do not automatically prompt urgent cath lab activation.

ST-segment elevation in multiple contiguous leads indicates transmural myocardial injury from an acute coronary occlusion. This pattern shows that a large territory of the heart is acutely ischemic, requiring immediate reperfusion. Activating the cath lab is essential to rapidly perform revascularization (PCI) and minimize heart muscle damage, improving outcomes.

Other patterns like ST-segment depression, T-wave inversion alone, or a normal ECG do not reflect the same acute transmural event and are not diagnostic of STEMI, so they do not automatically prompt urgent cath lab activation.