Diagnosing a Heart Attack
Diagnosing a Heart AttackUnderstanding how heart attacks are diagnosed can be reassuring, whether you are in a hospital or at homeand experiencing symptoms.“They instantly took some blood. They also did an EKG, and then, they gave me another nitroglycerinpill, and then I was kind of left alone for maybe a few minutes. When they did come back, it was saidthat I was in the process, or I’ve had a heart attack.”When you are having a heart attack, blood flow to the heart is blocked.A blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart. If the blocked artery is notreopened quickly, the part of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die.If you think you are having a heart attack it’s important to call 911 immediately and get emergency help.Treatment will likely begin before your heart attack is diagnosed or you get to the hospital.Early treatment might include chewing a non-coated, full strength aspirin, taking a nitroglycerin tablet underthe tongue, or getting supplemental oxygen.Oxygen can be delivered through a mask or a small tube under your nose called a cannula.Whether you are taken to the hospital by ambulance or arrive some other way, treatment and diagnosing yourheart attack will happen quickly.You may be given treatments that can open up the blockage and return blood flow to the heart muscle,reducing the damage to your heart and possibly saving your life.These medicines are sometimes called “clot busters,” or thrombolytic medicines. They can help by dissolvingblood clots in your coronary arteries that block blood flow.But they can only limit further damage to the heart. They can’t repair the damage that’s already done.Speed is very important to limit the damage caused by your heart attack so these medicines may be givenbefore you have many extensive tests to diagnose the heart attack.After the emergency medicines and measures have been taken, your emergency care team will evaluate yourheart and arteries.To help with your diagnosis you may be given blood tests, an electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, acardiac catheterization, or other tests.Page 1 ofBased on your results, your healthcare team may decide you need a procedure to open up the narrowed orblocked arteries.Some of these procedures may include angioplasty and stenting, or in some cases, bypass surgery.Whichever treatment you need, if you act quickly, your emergency care team can do what they do best – getyou on the road to healing.“If you are having symptoms of a heart attack, which includes chest pain, chest squeezing, chesttightness, shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, or significant indigestion, you should call 9-1-1immediately and seek medical attention.”While you are in the hospital, your healthcare team will monitor your heart for any signs of damage to theheart muscle. They will look for things like irregular heartbeats and symptoms of heart failure.They will also provide you with information on what to expect during your recovery, medicines you need totake, lifestyle changes to follow in order to reduce the risk of another heart attack, and when to call yourhealthcare provider.Page 2 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
