Atherosclerosis and thrombus formation in the coronary arteries (most often related to coronary artery disease) are the most common causes of myocardial infarction. Coronary artery vasospasm can lead to necrosis of cardiac tissues. Aortic dissection, connective tissue disease, cardiac trauma, tumors, and illicit drug use are other contributory causes of MI. 

Ischemic heart disease is the most common cause of premature death around the world. Electrocardiography is invaluable for detecting MI. ¹⁸

An ECG captures the distinct morphologies of MI, such as ST elevation and pathologic Q waves. It can detect a concomitant arrhythmia such as a bundle-branch or fascicular block. The ECG also allows the clinician to detect a non-Q wave infarction or nonsignificant Q waves.

The advent of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, such as angiogram, percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography, and fibrinolysis, has made the accurate and prompt diagnosis of acute MI more important than ever. Once detected and confirmed, immediate interventions are available.