NREMT Paramedic Practice

What indicates a STEMI on an EKG?

1. Flattened T waves

2. Elevated ST segments in multiple leads

3. Inverted QRS complexes

4. Absent P waves

The correct answer is: Elevated ST segments in multiple leads

A STEMI, or ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, is characterized primarily by the presence of elevated ST segments in multiple leads on an EKG. This elevation indicates active myocardial injury, often resulting from a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, which leads to tissue damage. The key points that signify a STEMI include the following: - The ST segment elevation typically occurs in contiguous leads that reflect the same area of the heart affected by the ischemia. This is often seen in situations where there is a significant occlusion of coronary arteries, leading to an acute lack of oxygen in the myocardial tissue. - The ST segment appears elevated above the isoelectric line, and the change is generally measured as equal to or greater than 1 mm in two or more adjacent leads. In short, the presence of this specific elevation in multiple leads is a critical finding that supports the diagnosis of STEMI, guiding emergency treatment protocols such as reperfusion therapy.