Treatment of acute coronary syndrome: Part 2: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objective: Familiarize clinicians with recent information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Data Sources: PubMed search and review of relevant medical literature. Summary: Definition, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction are reviewed. Conclusions: Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction benefit from prompt reperfusion therapy. Adjunctive antianginal, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, beta blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and statin agents minimize ongoing cardiac ischemia, prevent thrombus propagation, and reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. (Crit Care Med 2012; 40:1939-1945)