Non-Q Wave Myocardial Infarction (NQWMI)

A non-Q wave myocardial infarction refers to a myocardial infarction that does not result in a Q wave on the 12-lead ECG once the infarction is completed.

It was once believed that the development of Q waves indicated that the infarction was “transmural” involving the full thickness of the myocardium; however, autopsy studies failed to confirm this.

The terms Q wave MI, non-Q wave MI, transmural MI and non-transmural MI are no longer recommended for use. Instead, acute coronary syndromes are classified as unstable angina, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and ST-elevation myocardial infarction.