NSTEMI (Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) is a type of damage to the heart that does not cause a typical abnormality in the results of examination of the heart record. Although not as dangerous as STEMI (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction), this condition still needs to be watched out and handled carefully.
NSTEMI is a type of acute coronary syndrome. Acute coronary syndrome itself is a dangerous condition caused by blockages in the arteries of the heart. This blockage will make the heart lack of oxygen.
Acute coronary syndrome can be divided into three types, namely STEMI, NSTEMI, and unstable angina.
NSTEMI Differences with Other Types of Heart Attack
In general, the term "heart attack" usually refers to STEMI (ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction). This condition occurs when the arteries in the heart are completely blocked, causing the heart to lose its supply of blood and oxygen. STEMI will cause serious damage to the heart muscle.
Whereas in NSTEMI, the arteries of the heart are not completely blocked, so the damage to the heart muscle is not as severe as when experiencing STEMI. NSTEMI is also less common. The frequency of occurrence is only about 3 cases per 1000 people per year, or about 30% of the total cases of heart attacks.
Factors that can increase the risk of NSTEMI as well as other types of heart attack, namely genetic factors; an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking and inactivity; and certain diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
How to Diagnose NSTEMI
Heart attacks, whether STEMI, NSTEMI, or unstable angina, have almost the same symptoms. One of the typical symptoms is left chest pain that radiates to the arm, neck, or jaw. Other symptoms that may occur are shortness of breath, cold sweats, and dizziness.
The results of the physical examination in NSTEMI patients can also be the same as in patients with other types of heart attacks. To determine the type of heart attack that occurred, the doctor will perform an EKG (electrocardiogram) examination. When an EKG is performed, NSTEMI will show a picture of blockage of blood flow to the heart without ST segment elevation.
The type of heart attack that will give a picture similar to the condition of NSTEMI is unstable angina, so to distinguish it, blood tests need to be done. In NSTEMI, blood tests will show an increase in cardiac biomarkers, which are compounds released into the blood when the heart is damaged.
Steps for Handling a NSTEMI Heart Attack
Treatment for NSTEMI aims to stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further damage to the heart. Handling steps can be:
Administration of oxygen
The first step is oxygen administration. Doctors will give oxygen to patients who have respiratory problems or have the potential to experience respiratory problems.
Drug administration
Some drugs, such as antiplatelets, anticoagulants, beta blockersstatins, ACE inhibitors, and nitrates, may be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition.
PCI or CABG procedure
If the NSTEMI condition is severe enough, the doctor may recommend PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), namely cardiac catheterization to put a ring on the blocked blood vessel. Doctors may also recommend a CABG procedure (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft), namely surgery to create a new blood flow route.
NSTEMI is one type of heart attack that needs to be treated immediately. Therefore, if you experience complaints of left chest pain that radiates to the left arm and neck, immediately consult a doctor to find out the cause and get the right treatment.