Heart Attack Diagnosis Methods:
- ECG
The ECG (also known as EKG or electrocardiogram) is a record of the electrical signals experienced by your heart. Changes in the pattern of an ECG can tell just how much damage has occurred to your heart muscle and the region or spot where the damage has taken place.
- Blood tests
There are certain enzymes needed for the functioning of the heart cells, which are normally found inside the cells of your heart. When these cells get injured, the enzymes within them get released into your bloodstream. Blood tests are done to measure the levels of these enzymes. If the levels rise above the normal range, it is indicative of heart muscle damage.
Another blood test measures the level of a protein known as Troponin (a protein found inside the heart cells). Upon cellular damage, troponin is released into the bloodstream. Detection of troponin in the blood may be indicative of a heart attack.
- Echocardiography
Echocardiography is an imaging test which uses standard two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound (echo) to create images of the heart. Additionally, it provides vital information regarding the heart’s pumping capacity, the location, and extent of any tissue damage, and the assessment of normal and abnormal blood flow.
- Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a technique used to visualize the blocked artery and help doctors determine which procedure is needed to treat the blockage.
