New ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous leads on a 12-lead ECG suggests what?

The presence of new ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous leads on a 12-lead ECG is a critical indicator in diagnosing myocardial infarction, particularly STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). This pattern signifies that a significant portion of the heart muscle is undergoing injury due to inadequate blood supply, primarily caused by an occlusion in a coronary artery.

Detecting ST-segment elevation is crucial because it indicates that the myocardial tissue is not only experiencing ischemia but that it is at risk of necrosis due to prolonged lack of oxygen. This elevation is distinct from other conditions, as it provides immediate evidence of an acute event requiring prompt medical intervention, such as reperfusion therapy, to restore blood flow and minimize heart muscle damage.

The other options provided don't align with the specificity required to interpret ST-segment elevations. Angina pectoris is characterized by transient ischemia without the lasting damage indicative of infarction, myocardial ischemia is generally a broader term that does not specify the acute injury represented by ST elevation, and cerebral ischemia pertains to the brain rather than the heart, making it unrelated to the lateral findings on an ECG.