What Are the Different Types of Heart Attacks?
After an individual has been admitted to the hospital with coronary symptoms, it is important for doctors to determine which part of the heart has been affected and how severe the damage is. Doctors accomplish this task by studying the heart rhythm on an electrocardiogram (EEG) and other relevant tests. After determining the type of heart attack and the extent of the damage, physicians can then provide more accurate information about the patient’s prognosis and treatment options. A Q-Wave heart attack, also known as an ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), occurs when the coronary artery is blocked for an extended period of time. This type of heart attack often results in extensive damage, destroyed heart muscles cells through the full thickness of the heart wall. A heart attack of this nature is generally identified by the presence of atypical Q-waves on an electrocardiogram. A non-Q-wave heart attack, also known as a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEM
