Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

A final diagnosis of STEMI is synonymous with:

1. AMI unspecified.

2. Non Q wave MI.

3. Subendocardial MI.

4. Transmural MI.

The correct answer is: Transmural MI.

A final diagnosis of STEMI, or ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, refers specifically to a type of heart attack that occurs when there is a complete blockage of a coronary artery, leading to significant damage to the heart muscle. The term "transmural" describes the extent of the myocardial damage; in a transmural myocardial infarction, the damage goes through the entire thickness of the heart muscle wall. This is characteristic of STEMI, as the ST elevation observed on an ECG indicates a severe and widespread impact on the myocardium. Transmural infarctions are typically more serious than other types of myocardial infarctions, as they reflect a more extensive area of damage. The understanding that STEMI is synonymous with transmural MI is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment in emergency and clinical settings. This specific terminology connects the physiological findings with the clinical implications necessary for managing a patient's care, guiding treatment decisions that are critical for survival and recovery.