Which condition is characterized by elevated S-T segments?

Elevated S-T segments on an electrocardiogram (ECG) are a key indicator of transmural myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. This condition occurs when there is a complete blockage of a coronary artery, leading to damage of the heart muscle. The elevated S-T segment reflects the injury and electrical disturbances occurring in the myocardial tissue that is receiving inadequate blood supply.

In a transmural MI, the damage affects the entire thickness of the heart muscle wall, resulting in characteristic changes on the ECG, including significant S-T segment elevation. This finding helps healthcare providers identify the severity and type of the myocardial event, enabling prompt and appropriate treatment.

Other conditions listed may also affect heart function or anatomy, but they do not specifically present with elevated S-T segments in the same manner as transmural myocardial infarction. For example, coronary artery disease may lead to ischemia but is not defined by elevated S-T segments alone, while heart murmurs are typically related to valve issues and cardiomyopathy involves changes in the heart muscle without necessarily presenting with changes in S-T segments on an ECG.