What is a major risk of misinterpreting ST-segment changes during exercise testing?

Misinterpreting ST-segment changes during exercise testing can significantly lead to overdiagnosis of myocardial infarction. ST-segment changes are critical indicators in assessing cardiac health, particularly during stress tests. If these changes are inaccurately interpreted, there can be a wrongful assumption that ischemia or an infarct has occurred, even in the absence of actual myocardial damage.

Overdiagnosing myocardial infarction can lead to unnecessary interventions, such as invasive procedures or treatments that might not be needed. It emphasizes the importance of accurately interpreting ST-segment deviations in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture, including symptoms and other diagnostic signs. Optimal evaluation is necessary to prevent potential harm from unnecessary treatments that arise from overdiagnosis.