Discovering Silent Heart Attacks
Identifying silent heart attacks can be challenging since most people are unaware they are experiencing one. It is common for these heart attacks to go undetected until weeks or even months later when individuals seek medical attention for unrelated concerns. At this point, they may report persistent symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath.
Silent heart attacks can have severe consequences, including scarring of the heart muscle and dysfunction of the heart valves. These complications often arise long after the initial event, prompting doctors to investigate and diagnose the silent heart attack based on the reported symptoms.
Diagnosis
When it comes to diagnosing a heart attack, medical professionals employ several procedures. One common method is the use of an electrocardiogram (EKG), which helps detect and record the heart’s electrical activity. This test is essential in assessing any signs of damage. Additionally, doctors may also conduct blood tests to measure specific proteins that indicate heart damage.
In some cases, a coronary angiography may be ordered by the physician. This procedure involves injecting a dye into the bloodstream, followed by special x-rays to evaluate blood flow throughout the heart. It’s worth noting that even if several months have passed since the suspected heart attack, the same diagnostic tests may still be performed by the doctor.