Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 25, 2024

But cardiac arrest is a period of near zero flow in the coronary arteries and causes SEVERE ischemia. Cardiac arrest #3: ST depression, Is it STEMI? Smith's ECG Blog ( See My Comment in the March 1, 2023 post) — DSI does not indicate acute coronary occlusion! It also does not uniformly indicate severe coronary disease.

Defibrillator 114

Defibrillator Coronary Epinephrine ACS 114

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 31, 2023

Cath lab declined as it is not a STEMI." And now this finding is even formally endorsed as a "STEMI equivalent" in the 2022 ACC guidelines!!! Another myocardial wall is sacrificed at the altar of the STEMI/NonSTEMI mindset. Do NOT give it unless you are committed to the cath lab!! Cath attending is aware. It is a mass delusion.

STEMI 80

STEMI Coronary ACS OR 80

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 24, 2018

This is all but diagnostic of STEMI, probably due to wraparound LAD The cath lab was activated. Therefore, this does not meet the definition of myocardial infarction ( 4th Universal Definition of MI ), which requires at least one troponin above the 99% reference range. You can see the deficiency of the definition of MI.

E-9-1-1 52

E-9-1-1 STEMI ACS Coronary 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

It does, in fact, the STE meets STEMI criteria since there is 1 mm of in V4 and V5. What lowered my confidence in calling ECG #1 a definite OMI — was the finding of somewhat similar-appearing , upright T waves with slight-but-real J-point ST elevation in so many leads ( ie, leads I,II,aVF; V2-thru-V6 ). What did I say?

OR 127

OR STEMI Coronary 127

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 9, 2024

The receiving emergency physician consulted with interventional cardiology who stated there was no STEMI. Serial ECGs enhance the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Is there STEMI? About one hour later his high sensitivity troponin I resulted at 3,000 ng/L (reference 3-54 ng/L). The patient continued having chest pain.

STEMI 88

STEMI Coronary Heart Attack ACS 88

REBEL EM

MARCH 2, 2023

Background: Historically, we have treated acute coronary syndrome with supplemental oxygen regardless of the patient ’ s oxygen saturation. More recent evidence, however, demonstrates that too much oxygen could be harmful ( AVOID Trial ) by causing coronary vasoconstriction and increasing oxidative stress. Low O2 protocol: 3.1%

ACS 52

ACS Coronary STEMI Ambulance 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

More past history: hypertension, tobacco use, coronary artery disease with two vessel PCI to the right coronary artery and circumflex artery several years prior. He reports that this chest pain feels different than prior chest pain when he had his STEMI/OMI, but is unable to further describe chest pain. So it can miss some OMI.

Defibrillator 134

Defibrillator Coronary STEMI CPR 134

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 23, 2023

Notice on the right side of the image how the algorithm correctly measures STE sufficient in V1 and V2 to meet STEMI criteria in a man older than age 40. As most would agree, this ECG shows highly specific findings of anterolateral OMI, even with STEMI criteria in this case. Thus, this is obvious STEMI(+) OMI until proven otherwise.

STEMI 89

STEMI Coronary Paramedic OR 89

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 8, 2023

Code STEMI was activated by the ED physician based on the diagnostic ECG for LAD OMI in ventricular paced rhythm. This was several months after the 2022 ACC Guidelines adding modified Sgarbossa criteria as a STEMI equivalent in ventricular paced rhythm). LAFB, atrial flutter, anterolateral STEMI(+) OMI. Limkakeng AT.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ED ACS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 29, 2023

But because there was no new ST elevation, the ECG was signed off as “STEMI negative” and the patient waited to be seen. But the ECG still doesn’t meet STEMI criteria. It was therefore interpreted as “no STEMI” and the patient was treated with dual anti-platelets and referred to cardiology as “NSTEMI.” the cardiologist 5.

STEMI 74

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 74

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 21, 2023

Now let’s compare this with the existing paradigm to identify multiple preventable delays to reperfusion, which can be improved through the paradigm shift from STEMI to OMI. In the STEMI paradigm, patients with ischemic symptoms and ECGs that don’t meet STEMI criteria get serial ECGs.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary EMR OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 9, 2023

Barely any STE, and thus not meeting STEMI criteria. Annals of Emergency Medicine Cardiology was called to evaluate the patient immediately for emergent cath, but they stated that the ECG did not meet STEMI criteria and elected to wait for further information before proceeding with cath. He was given 6mg IV morphine for ongoing pain.

E-9-1-1 52

E-9-1-1 STEMI Coronary ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 13, 2024

This ECG is highly concerning for LAD occlusion despite it not showing a STEMI criteria. You can find the variables used to calculate the value on MD calc here: [link] Utilizing Dr. Smith’s Subtle Anterior STEMI Calculator (4-Variable), the value is greater than 18.2 which is concerning for LAD occlusion.

OR 112

OR STEMI Heart Attack Coronary 112

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Here they are: Patient 1, ECG1: Zoll computer algorithm stated: " STEMI , Anterior Infarct" Patient 2, ECG1: Zoll computer algorithm stated: "ST elevation, probably benign early repolarization." He diagnosed anterior "STEMI" and activated the cath lab. 25 minutes later, EMS called back with this new ECG: Super obvious STEMI(+) OMI.

OR 120

OR STEMI EMS ED 120

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 31, 2023

This was marked as "Not a STEMI" by the physicians. It is not a STEMI, but it is diagnostic of an LAD OMI (Occlusion MI). It is definitely not normal. has outperformed many cardiologists in its ability to recognize with "high confidence" acute OMIs from ECGs not satisfying STEMI-criteria. This was sent to me by a friend.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary OR ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 19, 2023

The commonest causes of MINOCA include: atherosclerotic causes such as plaque rupture or erosion with spontaneous thrombolysis, and non-atherosclerotic causes such as coronary vasospasm (sometimes called variant angina or Prinzmetal's angina), coronary embolism or thrombosis, possibly microvascular dysfunction. This is not the case.

E-9-1-1 123

E-9-1-1 Coronary ACS BLS 123

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 21, 2024

The ECG shows obvious STEMI(+) OMI due to probable proximal LAD occlusion. It shows a proximal LAD occlusion, in conjunction with a subtotally occluded LMCA ( Left Main Coronary Artery ). There is no definite evidence of acute ischemia. (ie, The below ECG was recorded. He was taken immediately to the cath lab.

Defibrillator 117

Defibrillator Coronary ALS STEMI 117

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 1, 2023

A "STEMI alert" was called and soon cancelled. This ECG picture should immediately prompt the following diagnostic considerations: Severe Coronary Disease ( due to LMain, proximal LAD, and/or severe 2- or 3-vessel disease ) — which in the right clinical context may indicate ACS ( A cute C oronary S yndrome ).

Allergic Reaction 52

Allergic Reaction E-9-1-1 Epinephrine Coronary 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Post Cath ECG: Obviously completing MI with LVA morphology, and STE that meets STEMI criteria (but pt is still diagnosed as "NSTEMI"). Day 12 ECG: FINAL DIAGNOSIS: "NSTEMI" Despite the fact that his day 4 ECG easily meets STEMI criteria, the patient is diagnosed as NSTEMI. No TIMI flow was listed in the report. Am Heart J.

E-9-1-1 82

E-9-1-1 ACS STEMI Coronary 82

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 9, 2023

He has a history of STEMI and heart failure. link] Case continued The conventional algorithm diagnosed STEMI and so did the paramedics. A Coronary angiogram from 8 years prior revealed that he had had an inferior posterior STEMI at the time due to 100% occlusion of the proximal RCA. He was belted and it was low speed.

STEMI 111

STEMI Coronary ED OR 111

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MARCH 19, 2023

The patient was diagnosed with a"Non-STEMI." Traditionally , Occlusion MI (OMI) myocardial infarctions that are not STEMI are called NonSTEMI. To me, that is a meaningless diagnosis. Here is the main learning point: The infarct was due to an occluded artery (Occlusion MI, OMI). In 30% of OMI, there is no significant ST Elevation.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary CAD OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 19, 2020

Angiography showed normal coronaries. This is a troponin I level that is almost exclusively seen in STEMI. A followup ECG was recorded 2 days later: No definite evidence of infarction. So this is either a case of MINOCA, or a case of Type II STEMI. I believe the latter (type II STEMI) is most likely.

Defibrillator 52

Defibrillator CPR Coronary CAD 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 20, 2019

There is sinus rhythm with minimal STE in V1-V3, not meeting STEMI criteria. However, this STE is definitively abnormal in the setting of a normal QRS complex and hyperacute T-wave morphology in V2. The delay between OMI and STEMI sometimes causes unacceptable loss of myocardium or worse.

STEMI 52

STEMI EMS OR Coronary 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 25, 2023

Smith and Meyers to diagnose both obvious (STEMI) and subtle OMI. But the stuttering pain and sudden onset suggest acute coronary occlusion (Occlusion MI, or OMI). Cath lab activation by the ED and I agree with coronary angiography emergently." Result: no angiographically significant obstructive coronary artery disease.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI ALS OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 19, 2023

This is diagnostic of infero-posterior OMI, but it is falsely negative by STEMI criteria and with falsely negative posterior leads (though they do show mild ST elevation in V4R). They were less likely to have STEMI on ECG, and more likely to be initially diagnosed as non-ACS.

STEMI 86

STEMI ACS OR ALS 86

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

In the context of remote rural communities, this can help emergency physicians advocate for their patients, and reduce reperfusion delays by days for STEMI(-)OMI == MY Comment , by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 9/8 /2023 ): == Today’s case is distinguished by its occurrence in a remote rural community ( where the nearest cath lab is a plane ride away ).

OR 131

OR STEMI Coronary Emergency Department 131

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

In the available view of the sinus rhythm, we see normal variant STE which probably meets STEMI criteria in V4 and V5. In other words, the inferior "ST elevation" is due to the abnormal rhythm, and does not signify OMI or STEMI in any way. The angiogram showed completely normal coronary arteries.

STEMI 123

STEMI ED OR Coronary 123

EMS 12-Lead

MAY 8, 2022

The attending crews were concerned for SVT with corresponding ischemic hyperacute T waves (HATW) and subsequently activated STEMI pre-hospital. They are definitely high in amplitude and, intermittently, appear to disproportionately tower over the respective QRS. Closer inspection will show that it is Sinus, after all.

STEMI 130

STEMI ED EMS Firefighter 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 3, 2023

The ECG was read as "No STEMI" and the patient was treated like an average chest pain patient (despite the fact that a chest pain patient with active pain and active subendocardial ischemia is very high risk). The De Winter ECG pattern: morphology and accuracy for diagnosing acute coronary occlusion: systematic review. As per Drs.

ACS 87

ACS Coronary ALS CAD 87

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 8, 2022

The ECG is diagnostic for acute transmural infarction of the anterior and lateral walls, with LAD OMI being the most likely cause (which has various potential etiologies for the actual cause of the acute coronary artery occlusion, the most common of which is of course type 1 ACS, plaque rupture with thrombotic occlusion). Aspirin 81 mg daily.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ACS ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 6, 2022

Had the cardiologists followed NSTEMI or transient STEMI guidelines, which recommend non-urgent cath, the patient could have redeveloped an OMI and had a worse outcome. But this foresight will not be recorded, because the patient was diagnosed as "transient STEMI", even though no ECG ever met STEMI criteria.

STEMI 52

STEMI ACS Coronary OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 10, 2023

Inferior ST Depression does NOT mean there is inferior subendocardial ischemia; it is generally reciprocal to high lateral (aVL) subepicardial ischemia (OMI/STEMI) == MY Comment by K EN G RAUER, MD ( 2/10/2023 ): == There are certain patterns in ECG interpretation that experienced providers are able to immediately recognize.

ALS 52

ALS STEMI Coronary OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 3, 2018

When he showed it to me, I said "Ouch, looks like an acute coronary occlusion. no LBBB or paced rhythm), acute coronary occlusion MI (OMI) is diagnosed in approximately 75% of cases. The Smith-Modified Sgarbossa Criteria Accurately Diagnose Acute Coronary Occlusion in Emergency Department Patients With Ventricular Paced Rhythm.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI Paramedic ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 1, 2022

Moreover, the research which appears to confirm this idea was indeed in relation to the circumflex, but they did not study Occlusion ; rather, they studied asymptomatic coronary disease. I showed conclusively that this is a common finding in normal ECGs, though it is more common in LAD Occlusion than in norml variant STE.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary OR ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 15, 2019

A prehospital ECG was recorded (not shown and not seen by me) which was worrisome for STEMI. A previous ECG from 4 years prior was normal: This looks like an anterior STEMI, but it is complicated by tachycardia (which can greatly elevate ST segments) and by the presentation which is of fever and sepsis.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI OR ED 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 13, 2020

Sensitivity of POCUS even for definite wall motion abnormalities is far from perfect. The case I presented in My Comment to that March 9, 2020 post showed a patient with this pattern — who on cath had no more than minimal coronary disease. POCUS Echo: POCUS Echo with no wall motion abnormality and normal ejection fraction. Is this OMI?

Coronary 52

Coronary ACS EMS ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 27, 2021

Meyers note: notice in their documentation many of the classic mistakes of the STEMI generation: "Non ST Elevation MI" as their reasoning for why the patient did not merit emergent reperfusion, while simultaneously calling it "emergently" (after 8 hours!!!) Because we are hypnotized the STEMI paradigm. "If It was not a STEMI) 1.

STEMI 52

STEMI ACS Coronary ED 52