ST depression can be present for patient who is having NSTEMI

ST depression can be present for patient who is having NSTEMI

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

ST-segment changes reflect myocardial ischemia. In NSTEMI the infarction is subendocardial (not transmural), so the ECG more often shows ST-segment depression or T-wave inversions rather than ST elevation. ST depression indicates subendocardial ischemia from reduced blood flow or partial occlusion due to plaque disruption. Therefore, ST depression can be present in NSTEMI, and its presence supports an ischemic ACS pattern even when there is no ST elevation. Remember that STEMI classically shows ST elevations due to transmural injury, while NSTEMI diagnosis also relies on elevated cardiac biomarkers in the absence of ST elevation.

ST-segment changes reflect myocardial ischemia. In NSTEMI the infarction is subendocardial (not transmural), so the ECG more often shows ST-segment depression or T-wave inversions rather than ST elevation. ST depression indicates subendocardial ischemia from reduced blood flow or partial occlusion due to plaque disruption. Therefore, ST depression can be present in NSTEMI, and its presence supports an ischemic ACS pattern even when there is no ST elevation. Remember that STEMI classically shows ST elevations due to transmural injury, while NSTEMI diagnosis also relies on elevated cardiac biomarkers in the absence of ST elevation.