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Information on Understanding Heart Attack Diagnosis

Your doctor will promptly run tests if he or she suspects you are having a heart attack (myocardial infarction). The tests include

Electrocardiogram (ECG)- This test records the electrical activity of the ticker and can often accurately detect heart irregularities and help pinpoint the area of myocardial infarction. It helps determining if an individual is having a heart attack based on changes on the ECG that shows muscle damage or lack of blood flow through the arteries.


Blood Tests- There are blood tests available that can help diagnose a heart attack and detect any ongoing ticker damage. Treatment for MI is often started at this time during which a doctor may recommend a test to find the exact location of the blocked artery, and if possible, perhaps unblock it. The procedures include

1.      Cardiac Catheterization- A doctor inserts a catheter (thin, hollow tube) into a blood vessel in the groin or wrist and threads up to the ticker in the test. Dye is used that highlights the heart’s arteries that can help in identifying blockages which are often treated with angioplasty or stent to open the artery and restore flow of blood. An option to open the artery if cardiac catheterization isn’t available is intravenous blood thinner.

2.      Stress Testing- Stress testing including a treadmill test, or a radionuclide scan can evaluate whether other areas of the ticker are still at risk for another heart attack.

3.      Echocardiogram- Sound waves are bounced off the ticker to create images in this ultrasound test which can identify significant damage to the heart muscle from MI and can also identify the presence of heart failure (HF). Damage to the heart valves can also be determined.

Talking about long-term recovery after heart attack, psychological and lifestyle adjustments are keys. Quitting smoking should be your priority. Apart from daily aspirin tablets to thin the blood and prevent future occurrences, other drugs may also be prescribed depending on the condition of the person.

Exercise- Enhance your effort to recover from a heart attack and prevent a future occurrence with regular aerobic exercise. Discuss a stress test with your doctor before beginning an exercise program if you already have a ticker condition to determine how much exertion is safe. Most hospitals offer doctor-supervised cardiac rehabilitation programs that teaches about safe exercise and ways to reach your target heart rate.

Diet and Nutrition- Eat a heart-healthy diet to keep salt, sugar, and trans fats to a minimum. Eating healthy foods like nuts, beans, bran, fish, and dark-green vegetables may help prevent future episodes. Eat multi-grains and vegetables to reduce cholesterol, control blood pressure, and control weight. Minimize saturated fats.

Mind and Body- Prevent heart attack by managing your stress- one of the controllable risk factors. Techniques like meditation, biofeedback, and yoga can work by training the mind and body to relax. Relaxation has also been shown to relieve individuals from pain which may be encountered during the recovery period. People should have a positive attitude about recovery, so try and focus on positive thoughts. Sharing thoughts and emotions with a support group can prove to be highly beneficial.

Equip yourself in the life-saving CPR procedure to be able to handle life-threatening cardiac emergencies like a cardiac arrest efficiently. At the AHA certified CPR Kansas City, either register for a course online or call on 913-998-7499.
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