RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 ST elevation myocardial infarction
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 277
OP 282
DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.16-3-277
VO 16
IS 3
A1 Tawfiq Choudhury
A1 Nick EJ West
A1 Magdi El-Omar
YR 2016
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/16/3/277.abstract
AB ST segment elevation myocardial infarction remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite a declining incidence and better survival rates. It usually results from thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery at the site of a ruptured or eroded plaque. Diagnosis is based on characteristic symptoms and electrocardiogram changes, and confirmed subsequently by raised cardiac enzymes. Prognosis is dependent on the size of the infarct, presence of collaterals and speed with which the occluded artery is reopened. Mechanical reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention is superior to fibrinolytic therapy if delivered by an experienced team in a timely fashion. Post-reperfusion care includes monitoring for complications, evaluation of left ventricular function, secondary preventive therapy and cardiac rehabilitation.