Methods of Diagnosing Heart Disease

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The symptoms of a heart attack can often be mild, but it is very important to remember that heart attacks producing no symptoms or mild symptoms can be just as serious and life threatening as heart attacks that cause severe chest pain.

Very often, when a patient rushed to the emergency room complaining of discomfort, physicians attribute it to indigestion, fatigue or stress, which consequently delays the patient from seeking prompt medical attention.

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The following are some of the most common methods used to diagnose a heart condition:

Blood tests: Blood tests are performed to evaluate organ function in a patient with a heart attack. A particularly important diagnostic test is the measurement of cardiac or heart enzymes. When heart muscle is damaged, these enzymes are released into the blood. Their measurement is one of the best ways to confirm a heart attack has occurred. The first blood sample for this test is usually taken in the emergency room. Additional blood samples are obtained every six to eight hours for the first 24 hours after hospital admission.

Chest x-ray: Chest x-rays may be performed to detect abnormalities in the size and shape of the heart and to detect the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which may indicate decreased blood flow.

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Echocardiogram: This device uses sound waves to produce an image of your heart. In an echocardiogram, sound waves are directed at your heart from a wand-like device held on your chest. The sound waves bounce off your heart and are reflected back through your chest wall and processed electronically to provide video images of your heart. An echocardiogram can help identify whether an area of your heart has been damaged by a heart attack and isn't pumping normally or at peak capacity.

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