The ST segment on an ECG represents the interval between ventricular depolarization and ventricular repolarization.
When ST elevation is present, it is most important to rule out cardiac ischemia or a myocardial infarction. Other causes of ST elevation include:
- Coronary Vasospasm (Prinzmetal’s Angina)
- Acute Pericarditis: typically causes diffuse ST elevation associated with PR depression (reciprocal ST depression and PR elevation seen in leads aVR and V1)
- Benign Early Repolarization: mild ST elevations with tall T waves, mainly in the precordial leads
- Left Bundle Branch Block
- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH): usually causes ST elevation in leads with deep S waves (V1-V3)
- Ventricular Aneurysm
- Brugada Syndrome: ST elevations and Right Bundle Branch Block in V1-V2
- Raised Intracranial Pressure (ICP): can cause ST elevation or depression
For ECGs showing the conditions above, visit the link in the references.
REFERENCES
- https://lifeinthefastlane.com/ecg-library/st-segment/