Q. What diagnostic tests are used to confirm myocardial infarction?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):
An ECG is often the first test conducted when someone presents with chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of MI. It records the heart's electrical activity and can reveal abnormal patterns associated with a heart attack.
2. Blood Tests:
Blood tests, specifically cardiac biomarker tests, play a vital role in MI diagnosis. Troponin and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) are two essential markers. Elevated levels of these substances in the blood can indicate heart muscle damage, a hallmark of MI.
3. Echocardiogram:
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create real-time images of the heart's structure and function. It helps assess the extent of heart muscle damage and identify any structural issues that might have contributed to the MI.
4. Coronary Angiography (Angiogram):
In this invasive procedure, a special dye is injected into the coronary arteries, followed by X-ray imaging. It provides detailed information about the condition of the coronary arteries, pinpointing blockages or narrowed areas that may have led to the MI.
5. Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
A cardiac MRI can offer precise images of the heart, revealing areas of damaged muscle. It's especially useful in assessing the extent of damage and planning treatment strategies.
6. CT Coronary Angiography:
This non-invasive test uses a CT scanner to obtain detailed images of the coronary arteries, helping identify blockages or plaques that could be responsible for the MI.
7. Stress Tests:
Stress tests, such as the exercise stress test or pharmacological stress test, can evaluate the heart's performance under exertion. These tests may help detect areas of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, indicating possible blockages.
8. Holter Monitor or Event Monitor:
These portable devices continuously record the heart's electrical activity over an extended period. They are helpful in capturing irregular heart rhythms or intermittent symptoms that might not be evident during a standard ECG.
9. Chest X-ray:
While not a primary diagnostic tool for MI, a chest X-ray can help identify other potential causes of chest pain or discomfort, such as lung issues or infections.
10. Clinical Assessment:
The doctor's evaluation of your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination is a critical part of the diagnostic process. This information helps guide the selection of appropriate tests and treatments.
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