A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is often diagnosed in an emergency setting. If you're able to answer questions, you may be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Diagnosis of a heart attack includes checking blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Tests are done to seeRead more
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is often diagnosed in an emergency setting. If you’re able to answer questions, you may be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Diagnosis of a heart attack includes checking blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Tests are done to see how the heart is beating and to check overall heart health.
Tests to diagnose a heart attack include an Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records electrical signals as they travel through the heart. Blood tests can be done to check for certain heart proteins that slowly leak into the blood after heart damage from a heart attack. A chest X-ray can show the condition and size of the heart and lungs. An echocardiogram uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the moving heart and can help identify whether an area of your heart has been damaged. Other imaging tests such as coronary catheterization (angiogram), cardiac computed tomography (CT), or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to diagnose heart problems and show the severity of heart damage.
See less
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The symptoms of myocardial infarction can vary from person to person, but common clinical features include: - Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of myocarRead more
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The symptoms of myocardial infarction can vary from person to person, but common clinical features include:
– Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of myocardial infarction. The pain or discomfort may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. The pain may also radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
See less– Shortness of breath: You may feel like you can’t catch your breath or that you’re out of breath after doing normal activities.
– Nausea or vomiting: You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
– Sweating: You may break out in a cold sweat.
– Lightheadedness or dizziness: You may feel like you’re going to faint.
– Fatigue: You may feel very tired or weak.