Clinical Scenario : A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with sudden-onset chest pain radiating to his left arm. He appears diaphoretic and anxious. His past medical history is significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia. On examination, his blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg, heart rate is 110 bpm, and respiratory rate is 22 breaths/min. ECG reveals ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most likely diagnosis? A) Stable angina B) Unstable angina C) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) D) ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) Explanation: D) ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) This patient presents with classic symptoms and ECG findings consistent with STEMI. Immediate reperfusion therapy, either via percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy, is indicated to restore coronary blood flow and minimize myocardial damage.
