New global definition of myocardial infarction aims to improve diagnosis, treatment and patient understanding

When a myocardial infarction, such as a heart attack, occurs, being able to classify its type can improve diagnosis and treatment. For the first time, a universal definition of myocardial infarction has been developed and published by four major cardiac societies: the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Heart Federation (WHF). The Fifth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction was presented at ESC Congress 2026 on Aug. 30.