Myocardial Infarction: Difference between revisions

[[Image:MIregions.jpg|thumb|The ST elevation points at the infarct location. Inferior MI = ST elevation in red regions (lead II,III and AVF). Lateral MI = ST elevation in blue leads (lead I, AVL, V5-V6). Anterio MI: ST elevation in yellow region (V1-V4). Left main stenosis: ST elevation in gray area (AVR) ]]

[[Image:lead_overview.png|thumb|Overview of the seperate ECG leads. The lead with ST elevation 'highlights' the infarct. An infarction of the inferior wall will result in ST elevation in leads II, III and AVF. A lateral wall infarct results in ST elevation in leads I and AVL. An Anterior wall infarct results in ST-elevation in the precordial leads.]]

The heartmuscle itself is very limited in its capacity to extract oxygen in the blood that is being pumped. Only the inner layers (the endocardium) profit from this oxygenrich blood. The outer layers of the heart (the epicardium) are dependent on the coronary arteries for the supply of oxygen and nutrients. With aid of an ECG, the occluded coronary can be identified. This is valuable information for the clinician, because treatment and complications of for instance an '''anterior wall infarction''' is different than those of an '''inferior wall infarction'''. The anterior wall performs the main pump function, and decay of the function of this wall will lead to decrease of bloodpressure, increase of heartrate, shock and on a longer term: heart failure. An inferior wall infarction is often accompanied with a decrease in heartrate because of involvement of the sinusnode. Longterm  effects of an inferior wall infarction are usually less severe than those of an anterior wall infarction.