Senior Capstone Experience by Jameson Brown-Padien ’20

Submitted to the Department of Biology

Advised by Dr. Aaron Krochmal

Abstract: “S-T segment myocardial infarctions (STEMI) are a common root cause of cardiac arrest. The condition is characterized by its altered electrocardiographic recording in which the S and T waves of the heart’s composite rhythm are elevated; indicative of lower left ventricular damage from myocardial injury. In a myocardial infarction, bloodflow is disrupted in the hearts circulatory system, this is an acute ischemic emergency that requires a rapid response to save the patient’s life. Even in success, the damage from this event is often irreversible and can leave the patient in severe cardiac compromise, placing them at a higher risk of reoccurring cardiac events, further myocardial injury, and cardiac failure. With time at a premium, physicians and researchers alike bring a highly refined approach to intervention. Innovation of thrombotic and hypothermic therapies have made great strides at increasing the chance for positive patient outcomes, but still fall short of solving the irreversibility of necrosis. Ongoing research, namely post-infarct conditioning and morphine therapies, are discussed as strategies to mitigate and repair myocardial damage from ischemic and reperfusion injuries. A collaborative approach to the response, mitigation and recovery of acute myocardial infarctions may be the most constructive treatment to one of the most prominent acute medical emergencies in the world.”

Keywords: ST-Segment Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), Myocardial Infarction (MI), Cardiac Arrest, Ischemic Shock, Hypothermia, Reperfusion, Time-to-Treatment

Read Jameson’s SCE below: