ST elevation

ST elevations refers to a finding on an electrocardiogram.

It can be associated with:
 * ECG in myocardial infarction
 * Left ventricular aneurysm
 * Acute pericarditis

ST segment corresponds to a period of ventrical systolic depolarization, when the cardiac muscle is contracted. Subsequent relaxation occurs during the diastolic repolarization phase. The normal course of ST segment reflects a certain sequence of muscular layers undergoing repolarization and certain timing of this activity. When the cardiac muscle is damaged or undergoes a pathological process (e.g. inflammation), its contractile and electrical properties change. Usually, this leads to early repolarization, or premature ending of the systole.

The exact topology and distribution of the affected areas depend on the underlying condition. Thus, ST elevation may be present on all or some leads of ECG. ST elevation in select leads is more common with MI, and ST elevation in all leads is more common with acute pericarditis.