ABSTRACT
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is one of the most common, potentially-fatal causes of hospitalization in the United States. It is important that physicians properly identify patients at risk for STEMI and educate them on recognition of symptoms and how to properly respond to these symptoms so that they can receive appropriate medical care. Many studies focus on the management of STEMI and it is important for physicians to be aware of the STEMI guidelines that have been developed and their updates so that there can be used to deliver the most appropriate care. This chapter focuses on the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) 2004 guidelines for the management of STEMI as well as the subsequent 2007 and 2009 focused updates. Levels of evidence will be provided in parenthesis throughout (Table 5.1).
