Universal definition of myocardial infarction: Kristian Thygesen, Joseph S. Alpert and Harvey D. White on behalf of the Joint ESC/ACCF/AHA/WHF Task Force for the Redefinition of Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Given the considerable advances in recent years in myocardial infarction diagnosis and management, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA), together with the World Heart Federation WHF recently published an expert consensus document to establish a universal definition for myocardial infarction. The consensus document recognizes five separate myocardial infarction categories based on the differences in pathophysiology, and whether percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is involved. The new consensus document expands the criteria for defining myocardial infarction by adding new ECG criteria and imaging modalities, and also includes patients who present with sudden death. The Israel Heart Society has adopted the new universal definition and recommends its use by clinicians, researchers and epidemiologists. .