What does a prolonged ST segment often indicate?

A prolonged ST segment is often associated with myocardial infarction, which represents damage to the heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply. In the context of an acute myocardial infarction, the ST segment may become elevated or depressed, indicating ischemia or injury to the heart tissue.

When a myocardial infarction occurs, it disrupts the normal electrical activity within the heart. The ST segment is a critical part of the EKG waveform that reflects the period between ventricular depolarization and repolarization. If this segment is prolonged, it generally signifies that the heart muscle is experiencing distress and is unable to recover normally, thus suggesting a serious cardiac event.

Recognizing this pattern on an EKG is vital for timely intervention, as treatment can significantly improve outcomes for patients experiencing a heart attack.

While other conditions such as atrial flutter, cardiac hypertrophy, and ventricular tachycardia may cause changes in the EKG, they are not typically characterized by a prolonged ST segment in the same manner as myocardial infarction. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately interpreting EKG readings.