Medical Health Tests Medical Tests Heart Attack Test

If you are having a heart attack test, chances are that the test is being conducted either in the Emergency Room or in an ambulance. If you think you are having a heart attack, do not delay and call for help at once. Before the heart attack test, you will be asked to describe your symptoms, and your pulse, temperature and blood pressure will be checked. You will be hooked up to a heart monitor and a heart attack test will be performed immediately to check if you are having a heart attack. The emergency personnel will also listen to your lung and heart sound with a stethoscope. You will also have to provide information about your medical history and family history of heart disease, if any. The heart attack test will help to check if your symptoms are symptoms of a heart attack or any other condition.

The main heart attack tests you may undergo are:-

1. ECG or Electrocardiogram: This if the first heart attack test you will have to undergo. In fact, this test may be carried out while the doctor is questioning you. An ECG is a graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart as it contracts and relaxes. Injured heart muscle does not show electrical impulses normally. Therefore this heart attack test results will show that a heart attack has occurred or is in progress.
2. Blood test: A blood test will also be taken to check for enzymes or any other substances that are released into the blood when the heart has been damaged by a heart attack.

Post Heart Attack Tests and Results

If the heart attack test results confirm that you have had a heart attack, there are some post heart attack tests that you will have to undergo as well. These are:-

1. Nuclear scan: This scan helps to identify blood flow problems to your heart. It can also reveal problems with the heart’s pumping action. A small amount of radioactive material will be injected into your arm. A scanning camera which is then positioned over your heart will be used to reveal the damaged and healthy areas.
2. Coronary angiography (or arteriography): This test shows if your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed.
3. Chest x-ray: Your doctor will be able to check the size and shape of your heart and its blood vessels with this test.
4. Echocardiogram: Sound waves in this test help to produce an image of your heart.

There is no heart attack test online that you can use to determine if you have had a heart attack.