Which EKG change is typically seen in patients with myocardial ischemia?

The identification of ST segment depression on an electrocardiogram (EKG) is a key finding associated with myocardial ischemia. Myocardial ischemia refers to a condition where the blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced, often due to narrowing of the coronary arteries.

During ischemic episodes, particularly those associated with exertion or stress, the heart muscle may not receive enough oxygen, leading to alterations in its electrical activity. This is reflected on the EKG as a downward shift in the ST segment, which typically indicates that the heart is not repolarizing properly during the resting state after depolarization.

In contrast, other changes such as elevated T waves are often associated with different conditions, such as hyperkalemia, which is not directly indicative of ischemia. Widened QRS complexes could suggest conditions like a bundle branch block or ventricular rhythm issues but do not specifically signify ischemia. A descending ST segment is not a recognized pattern in the context of ischemia and does not point to myocardial injury or strain.

ST segment depression serves as a clinical marker for myocardial ischemia, making it pivotal in diagnosing or monitoring conditions related to coronary artery disease. Thus, recognizing ST segment depression can help clinicians assess the severity of ischemia and