Abstract
In 2000, the First Global MI Task Force presented a new definition of MI, which implied that any necrosis in the setting of myocardial ischaemia should be labelled as MI. These principles were further refined by the Second Global MI Task Force, leading to the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction Consensus Document in 2007, which emphasized the different conditions which might lead to an MI.
However, the development of even more sensitive assays for markers of myocardial necrosis mandates further revision, particularly when such necrosis occurs in the setting of the critically ill, after percutaneous coronary procedures or after cardiac surgery. The Third Global MI Task Force has continued the Joint ESC/ACCF/AHA/WHF efforts by integrating these insights and new data into the current document, which now recognizes that very small amounts of myocardial injury or necrosis can be detected by biochemical markers and/or imaging.