Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

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In an EKG tracing, what does ST segment depression typically indicate?

Ventricular hypertrophy
Myocardial ischemia
Atrial enlargement
Pericarditis

The correct answer is: Myocardial ischemia

ST segment depression is a significant finding on an EKG tracing and typically indicates myocardial ischemia. This condition occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to a lack of oxygen. During periods of ischemia, the electrical recovery of the heart muscle is altered, which is reflected in the ST segment of the EKG. When the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, it may not fully recover its electrical activity during the repolarization phase, which is represented by the ST segment. Thus, a downward deviation of the ST segment from the baseline suggests that the heart is not receiving enough blood and is under stress. This can be caused by various factors, including coronary artery disease, which is a common cause of myocardial ischemia. Identifying ST segment depression is critical for healthcare professionals, as it can indicate the need for further investigation or intervention to address underlying cardiovascular issues.