Which heart condition can lead to changes in the ST segment?

The ST segment on an ECG is a critical component in assessing the heart's electrical activity. Changes in the ST segment are primarily indicative of issues relating to the heart's blood supply and oxygenation. Ischemia, which refers to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, can result in several characteristic alterations in the ST segment. These changes can manifest as ST segment elevation or depression, both of which are significant in diagnosing conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack).

When myocardial tissue does not receive adequate blood supply, it may lead to injury and, in severe cases, necrosis of the heart muscle. This process directly affects the electrocardiographic readings, specifically causing deviations in the ST segment from its baseline. Atrial flutter, heart failure, and bradycardia can result in other types of changes in the ECG but do not typically cause isolated ST segment alterations that are directly associated with ischemic episodes. Thus, recognizing that ischemia and myocardial infarction are primarily responsible for changes observed in the ST segment is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective management of cardiac conditions.