What does an ST elevation mean?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain the significance of ST segment elevation. The ST segment is a critical part of an electrocardiogram (ECG), representing the period between the end of the depolarization of the ventricles and the beginning of their repolarization. Normally, the ST segment is flat and isoelectric, indicating a period of electrical quiescence in the heart muscle. ST segment elevation is an abnormal finding on an ECG that can be indicative of several conditions, most notably myocardial ischemia or infarction (heart attack). When the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, as in the case of a blocked coronary artery, the electrical activity can change, leading to ST segment elevation. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Other causes of ST segment elevation can include conditions like pericarditis, early repolarization, and Prinzmetal's angina. It's important to consider the clinical context and other ECG changes when interpreting ST segment elevation to determine the underlying cause. In summary, ST segment elevation on an ECG is a significant finding that often suggests a serious cardiac event, such as a heart attack, and warrants prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

The ST segment is the flat, isoelectric section of the ECG between the end of the S wave (the J point) and the beginning of the T wave. ... The most important cause of ST segment abnormality (elevation or depression) is myocardial ischaemia or infarction.