What is the expected time frame for the resolution of ST-segment elevation post-STEMI treatment?

The resolution of ST-segment elevation following treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) typically occurs within a few days. Following successful reperfusion therapy, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolysis, the ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram (ECG) may begin to resolve as the myocardial tissue restores blood flow and begins to heal. The process of healing and resolution of the ST-segment changes generally takes longer than a few hours and can be observed over a period of several days as the heart returns to a more stable state.

In contrast, significant and immediate changes may be seen in the first hour or so, but complete resolution of the ST-segment elevation does not typically happen that quickly. The heart muscle may need more time to recover, leading to the gradual resolution observed over days rather than hours or even weeks. Thus, the anticipated timeframe aligns with the expected understanding of myocardial healing and the dynamics of ST-segment changes following reperfusion therapy in the STEMI setting.