ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract

Management of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been transformed in the last 20 yr by the results of large, prospective, randomized trials. Advances have been made in all components of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management, from primary and secondary prevention to prehospital care, acute reperfusion therapy, adjunctive medical therapy, and management of complications. Despite this progress, however, acute MI remains the most common cause of death in industrialized nations; in addition, while mortality rates have been falling, the incidence of new infarction has not fallen in concert. The long-term consequences of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias, consume a large and growing proportion of health care resources. Thus, there is great need for continued progress in the prevention and treatment of acute MI. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.