Which term describes a heart attack without ST elevation?

• A. Endocarditis
• B. Mitral Valve Prolapse
• C. Deep Vein Thrombosis
• D. Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Answer: (D)

Understanding ECG and infarction types is essential here. A heart attack without ST elevation is called a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. In NSTEMI, there is myocardial injury from partial blockage of a coronary artery, and the ECG does not show ST-segment elevations, though cardiac troponin levels are elevated indicating infarction. This differentiates it from a STEMI, where ST elevations appear on the ECG due to a more complete, full-thickness infarction requiring rapid reperfusion.

The other options describe conditions unrelated to an infarction: endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or lining, mitral valve prolapse is a structural displacement of the mitral valve leaflets, and deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.