How Is a Heart Attack Diagnosed?
Chest pain is the most common symptom of heart attack. The chest pain is usually a burning or pressure sensation beneath the mid or upper breast bone. The pain may radiate into the upper mid back, neck, jaw or arms. The pain may be severe but often is only moderate in severity. There may be associated shortness of breath or sweating. If patients have had agina previously, the heart attack pain will feel the same as their usual angina only stronger and more prolonged. If you have a pain like this that lasts longer than 15 minutes, it is best to be evaluated immediately. Calling your medic unit is the fastest and safest way to ask for help. If you have symptoms like this that wax and wane, this is often a warning sign that a heart attack is about to occur and prompt medical attention is indicated. Once you are in an emergency room or a doctor’s office, an electrocardiogram (ECG) will be obtained. The ECG is often helpful in diagnosing a heart attack. Sometimes, however, the ECG is normal
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