What is STEMI?
An ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an acute heart attack indicated by a dramatic change in an electrocardiogram (EKG) of the heart. While all heart attacks are serious medical emergencies, STEMIs require immediate intervention because an artery or arteries are blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle by as much as 100%.
Because of the significant blockage, STEMI heart attacks cause death of heart muscle beyond the blockage that cannot be regenerated. This loss of heart muscle can lead to heart failure and other health complications.
In these situations, time saved is heart muscle saved. If you suspect you are having a heart attack, calling 911 immediately can save both your heart muscle and your life.
What are Common Symptoms of a STEMI?
Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
- Shortness of breath without exertion: Difficulty breathing when performing normal activities, with or without chest discomfort
- Heartburn: The sensation of heartburn or a burning in the chest, especially if it becomes chronic
- Discomfort or pain: Crushing to squeezing pressure in the chest or in other areas of the body, including discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck and jaw
- Other symptoms: A feeling of anxiety or fear, or breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness
Women may experience different or additional symptoms, including:
- Pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of the chest, spreading to the neck, shoulder or jaw
- Light-headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort
- Lower chest discomfort
- Back pain
- Unusual fatigue
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Other groups of people may experience different or additional symptoms, including:
- Diabetics:
- May experience no symptoms or milder symptoms, known as a “silent heart attack,” due to diabetic neuropathy. It is important that diabetics seek regular cardiac physician visits to be proactive in reducing the chances of a heart attack.
- Elderly:
- Elderly patients may also experience significant confusion, combativeness or vomiting
What is a STEMI Network?
At UofL Health, a STEMI Network is the term we use to describe the partnership between UofL Health and regional emergency medical services (EMS) for the purposes of providing the fastest access to lifesaving care.
When an individual suspects they are having a heart attack and calls 911, the EMS providers who respond to the call can conduct an EKG with the patient en route to the hospital. The results of the EKG are transmitted wirelessly by EMS providers to the UofL Health facility for analysis by cardiologists and emergency department physicians.
If it is determined that the patient is having a STEMI, the physician will activate the cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab) team before the patient arrives. Upon arrival, the patient can be transported directly to the cath lab, allowing physicians to open the artery quickly.
For patients with a heart attack or a complete blockage of the coronary artery, this ensures the fastest access to lifesaving care. Again, time saved is heart muscle saved.
Which UofL Health locations are part of the STEMI Network?
UofL Health has three locations that are accredited by the American College of Cardiology for STEMI care and are part of the STEMI network, including:
- UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital
- UofL Health – Heart Hospital, a part of Jewish Hospital
- UofL Health – South Hospital
UofL Health is committed to the prevention of disease and the care of your heart. UofL Health – Heart Hospital is the only area hospital dedicated to comprehensive heart care. To learn more, call 502-587-4000.
