NSTEMI
Medical abbreviation · Cardiology
| Stands for | Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
NSTEMI stands for Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a cardiology abbreviation.
Heart attack confirmed by elevated troponin but without persistent ST elevation on the ECG, typically reflecting a partially blocked or intermittently occluded artery. Patients are risk-stratified with tools such as the GRACE or TIMI scores and usually receive antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulation and coronary angiography within 24 to 72 hours depending on risk.
Example: Troponin rose from 0.04 to 1.8 with ST depression in V4 to V6; working diagnosis is NSTEMI, cath planned tomorrow.
Usage notes
Pronounced "EN-stem-ee." Together with unstable angina it forms NSTE-ACS, the non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes; troponin separates the two, since only NSTEMI shows myocardial necrosis. Some NSTEMI patients actually have a fully occluded circumflex artery that the standard 12-lead misses, which is why posterior leads or urgent angiography are used when pain persists despite treatment.
Related abbreviations
More cardiology abbreviations
- MUGA – Multigated acquisition scan
- MV – Mitral valve
- MVP – Mitral valve prolapse
- MVR – Mitral valve replacement
- NICM – Nonischemic cardiomyopathy
- NSR – Normal sinus rhythm
- NSVT – Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia
- NT-proBNP – N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide
- NYHA – New York Heart Association
- OH – Orthostatic hypotension
- OM – Obtuse marginal artery
- OPCAB – Off-pump coronary artery bypass
See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.