Heart Attack Diagnosis
The doctor will ask you to describe your pain in the chest and other symptoms. Ideally, a family member or friend accompany you when you go for medical treatment. This person could help give the doctor important information about your symptoms and medical history if you are not able to do so. It is also important to give your doctor a list of the names and dosage of medications you are taking both prescription and non prescription. If you have already prepared the list, just pick up the drugs and place them in a bag or briefcase and take them to hospital.
The doctor will suspect you might be having a heart attack based on your symptoms, medical history and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To confirm the diagnosis, he or she will perform: - an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- a physical exam, paying special attention to the heart and blood pressure
- some blood tests to check a serum cardiac markers: chemicals that are released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged
You may also need other tests, such as:
- an echocardiogram, a painless test that uses sound waves and to see the heart muscle and heart valves.
- Radionuclide imaging performance: studies (scans) using radioactive isotopes to detect areas of the heart with reduced blood flow.