Sudden-onset severe chest pain

A 65-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease presents with sudden-onset severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. He is diaphoretic and appears anxious. His blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg, and his heart rate is 110 bpm. An ECG shows ST-segment elevation in the anterior precordial leads. What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?

A) Acute myocardial infarction B) Stable angina C) Aortic dissection

D) Pericarditis E) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Answer: A) Acute myocardial infarction

Explanation: This patient's presentation with sudden-onset severe chest pain, diaphoresis, and ST-segment elevation on ECG is highly suggestive of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), specifically an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Rapid reperfusion therapy, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy, is required urgently to restore blood flow to the affected coronary artery.