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How is a heart attack diagnosed?

Your doctor will run a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis of a heart attack. Common tests include monitoring your heart using electrocardiography (ECG); assessing your blood for cardiac enzymes; a chest X-ray; and a coronary angiogram, which can assess any artery blockages.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is caused by a sudden stoppage of blood flow to your heart muscle. If the blood flow is not quickly restored, the heart can be permanently damaged. It needs prompt medical attention, otherwise it can cause chronic health issues or potentially death.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Symptoms of a heart attack can vary. Some individuals with a heart attack may report severe chest pain, while others may only experience indigestion. If you have diabetes, are elderly or have high blood pressure, you may not even notice any …

Is a heart attack the same as a cardiac arrest?

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are two different conditions. A cardiac arrest is the loss of all heart function, leading to collapse and unconsciousness. This can be a result of numerous causes, one of which is a heart attack. A heart attack …

What should I do if I see someone having a heart attack?

Call 000 immediately. Do not hang up, stay on the line with the emergency operator. Recruit bystanders to help the person with the suspected heart attack. Follow the advice of the emergency operator.

Can a heart attack kill me?

In some cases a heart attack can be fatal.

What treatments are available for a heart attack?

Treatment begins at the initial suspicion of a heart attack. This may include oxygen, pain-relief medication, aspirin (to thin the blood and prevent further blood clotting), and nitroglycerin (to reduce stress on the heart and improve blood …

Should I take aspirin if I suspect a heart attack?

Yes, taking aspirin at the onset of a presumed heart attack is generally recommended. Aspirin has an antiplatelet effect on your blood, which stops the platelets clumping together to form more blood clots. The recommended dose is usually …

Who is most at risk from a heart attack?

Cigarette smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks and almost doubles your risk. If you have heart disease, it greatly increases your risk. Other factors that can elevate your risk of heart attack include: high blood cholesterol …

Can I prevent coronary heart disease?

The following lifestyle changes can help with prevention of coronary heart disease: eating a healthy diet, with more intake of naturally oily fish such as mackerel or salmon each week, eating five portions of fruit or vegetables daily and replacing …

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 17 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Votes: 1384 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Hypertension

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