How should you interpret the ECG of a patient diagnosed with STEMI?

An anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is characterized by specific changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG), specifically the elevation of the ST segment in two or more contiguous leads that reflect the anterior wall of the heart. In the context of a STEMI, this elevation indicates that there is myocardial injury due to a lack of blood flow, typically caused by a blockage in one of the coronary arteries.

Interpreting the ECG for a patient diagnosed with STEMI involves identifying these ST-segment elevations, which are critical to establishing the diagnosis and facilitating timely treatment, such as reperfusion therapy. The presence of these changes aligns directly with the definition of a STEMI and highlights the urgency required in managing this condition.

The other options do not reflect the acute changes associated with a STEMI. A normal sinus rhythm represents a healthy heart rhythm without any signs of ischemia or infarction. Atrial fibrillation indicates an irregular heartbeat that is not necessarily related to STEMI but rather to other underlying issues. Sinus bradycardia suggests a slower-than-normal heart rate and does not indicate ST-segment elevation or imply the presence of a myocardial infarction.

Thus, recognizing the ECG changes associated with an anterior STEMI is