PD280 - WELLENS SYNDROME: THE CALM BEFORE THE ANTERIOR STEMI

PD280

WELLENS SYNDROME: THE CALM BEFORE THE ANTERIOR STEMI

A. Spiljak^1,2,*

¹Institute for Healthcare of Transportation Employees Sarajevo, ²Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Rationale: Wellens syndrome represents a high-risk pre-infarction state caused by critical stenosis of the left anterior descending artery. Despite characteristic electrocardiographic findings, it is frequently overlooked due to transient symptoms and minimal biomarker elevation.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, including English-language articles published within the last five years. The search focused on electrocardiographic patterns, diagnostic pitfalls, and clinical outcomes associated with Wellens syndrome, with emphasis on its recognition in acute and critical care settings.

Results: Wellens syndrome is characterized by specific T-wave abnormalities in the precordial leads during pain-free intervals. Failure to recognize this pattern often leads to delayed intervention and progression to extensive anterior myocardial infarction. Stress testing may precipitate catastrophic events and should be avoided.

Conclusion: Wellens syndrome is a time-sensitive and underrecognized cardiac emergency. Early identification and prompt invasive management are essential to prevent progression to life-threatening anterior STEMI.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared