What condition does NSTEMI indicate?

NSTEMI stands for Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction. This term is used in the context of a heart attack where there is damage to the heart muscle due to a decrease in blood flow, but the characteristic changes typically seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG) that indicate full obstruction are not present. In NSTEMI, the ST segments on the ECG do not rise, which is a key differentiator from STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction).

This diagnosis is important as it signifies that there is still significant cardiac injury and the risk of more severe complications remains. The clinical management of NSTEMI often includes medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes interventions such as angioplasty or stenting to restore proper blood flow to the heart muscle. Recognizing NSTEMI as a condition alerts healthcare providers to treat it promptly to minimize heart damage and address the underlying coronary artery disease.