Some only involve a partial obstruction of blood flow.
Heart specialists refer to this punch in as non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
NSTEMI is a milder form of heart attack and accounts for around two-thirds of all cases.
Verywell/JR Bee
This article explains what NSTEMI is and how it differs from a classic heart attack.
Depending on the severity of the obstruction, ACS can be classified into the following three types.
It can cause the symptoms of a classic heart attack but tends to inflict less damage to heart muscle.
In an ECG, there will typically be a flat line between heartbeats called the ST segment.
During a classic heart attack, the ST segment will be raised.
With NSTEMI, there will be is no evidence of ST-segment elevation.
Because NSTEMI causes damage to the heart muscle, it is still considered a heart attack.
Even so, NSTEMI has more in common with unstable angina and usually has better outcomes.
NSTEMI rarely leads to STEMI because they tend to involve different blood vessels.
NSTEMI is more likely in people with diffuse coronary disease.
By contrast, STEMI will involve the major coronary arteries.
NSTEMI is differentiated from STEMI using an electrocardiogram (ECG).
NSTEMI rarely progresses to STEMI because it tends to affect minor blood vessels servicing the heart.
Emergency Treatment
NSTEMI treatment is identical to that for unstable angina.
Doctors can help eliminate this by using drugs calledbeta-blockersandstatins.
The drugs work in different ways:
Oxygen and morphine may be given to improve respiration and reduce pain.
Nitratesare also often used for patients who have continued ischemic pain.
Doing so prevents a “complete occlusion” in which a vessel is completely blocked.
Other types of medication, such as enoxaparin, which slows blood clotting, may also be prescribed.
This is an important part of the treatment protocol for NSTEMI.
The treatment does not include thrombolytic drugs (clot busters) used for STEMI.
NSTEMI is treated with beta-blockers and statins that improve circulation and prevent further damage to the heart muscle.
Other types of medication may also be prescribed.
Many cardiologists will use a TIMI (thrombosis in myocardial infarction) score to make the determination.
If the score is higher, the cardiologist may want to take more aggressive steps.
Acardiac stress testmay also be used to determine the need for aggressive treatments.
NSTEMI can cause the same symptoms as STEMI but is generally less damaging to the heart.
The treatment of NSTEMI is focused on restoring blood circulation and preventing the formation of blood clots.
This typically involves beta-blockers, statin drugs, and blood thinners like aspirin or Plavix (clopidogrel).
After the individual is stabilized, the cardiologist will determine if further treatment is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
NSTEMI stands for non-ST-segment myocardial infarction.
NSTEMI is also referred to as a mild heart attack.
Yes, NSTEMI is a punch in of heart attack that is relatively mild.
Unstable angina is the least serious, and STEMI is the most serious of the three.
Unstable angina is triggered by partial rupture of an artery and does not permanently damage the heart muscle.
NSTEMI is sparked by a block in a minor artery or a partial obstruction in a major artery.
STEMI triggers when a ruptured plaque blocks a major artery completely.
Correction-November 8, 2022:This article was updated to correct the description of unstable angina.
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