Use of the Electrocardiogram in Acute Myocardial Infarction

This review article describes the use of electrocardiograms in facilitating the clinical care of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Analysis of patterns of ST-segment elevation can help in making decisions about reperfusion therapy. Correct identification of arrhythmias and new conduction abnormalities is an important challenge. The electrocardiogram remains a crucial tool in the identification and management of acute myocardial infarction. A detailed analysis of patterns of ST-segment elevation may influence decisions regarding the use of reperfusion therapy. The early and accurate identification of the infarct-related artery on the electrocardiogram can help predict the amount of myocardium at risk and guide decisions regarding the urgency of revascularization. Electrocardiographic signs of reperfusion represent an important marker of microvascular blood flow and consequent prognosis. The electrocardiogram is also crucial for identifying new conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias that influence both short- and long-term outcome. In this review, we discuss . . .