What disease does an abnormal ST segment on an electrocardiogram indicate?

ST segment abnormalities on electrocardiogram (ECG) may be associated with conditions such as coronary heart disease, variant angina, acute myocardial infarction, and others.

1. Coronary Heart Disease

This may be a symptom of coronary heart disease, primarily caused by myocardial ischemia. The changes in the ST segment result from insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. Under medical guidance, patients can take medications that dilate the coronary arteries to improve cardiac blood flow, such as Isosorbide Dinitrate Tablets or Danshen Dropping Pills. These may also be combined with Metoprolol Succinate Tablets for treatment.

2. Variant Angina

Variant angina is caused by transient spasms of the coronary arteries leading to chest pain. On ECG, this condition typically presents with transient ST segment elevation of 0.1 mV. Under medical supervision, symptoms can be relieved using medications such as Nifedipine Tablets or Isosorbide Mononitrate Tablets.

3. Acute Myocardial Infarction

Elevation of the ST segment across multiple corresponding leads suggests acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or possibly acute pericarditis. Diagnosis should be based on a comprehensive evaluation including clinical symptoms, cardiac enzyme markers (e.g., troponin), and echocardiographic findings.

In addition, ST segment abnormalities may also occur in conditions such as hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy, obstructive cardiomyopathy, or supraventricular tachycardia. Patients are advised to follow a low-salt, low-fat diet and avoid greasy or fried foods to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.