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.
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