Heart Attack Diagnosis and Treatment

How is a heart attack diagnosed? 

When you come to Banner Health with heart attack symptoms, our care teams take fast action. We focus on identifying the problem quickly, restoring blood flow and protecting your heart muscle to reduce long-term damage. We also help you recover with treatment and cardiac rehabilitation so you can safely return to daily life. 

During routine visits, your doctor checks for risk factors that increase the chance of a heart attack, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking. If symptoms happen suddenly, immediate care is essential. 

Tests used to diagnose a heart attack 

In the emergency department, your team will ask about your symptoms and begin tests right away. A heart attack diagnosis is based on symptoms, exam findings and test results. Common tests include: 

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) 

An ECG measures your heart’s electrical activity. This test can show if a heart attack is happening and which part of the heart may be affected. It also checks your heart rate and rhythm. 

Blood tests (cardiac biomarkers) 

A blood test can find proteins such as troponin that are released when the heart muscle is damaged. Rising levels can confirm a heart attack and help guide treatment. 

Chest X-ray 

An X-ray allows providers to look at the size of the heart and major blood vessels and check for fluid in the lungs. 

Cardiac CT or MRI 

These imaging tests can help identify heart damage, blockages or problems with heart structure and function. 

Exercise or medication stress tests 

These tests show how well your heart works during activity. They may be recommended later as part of follow-up care after a heart attack. 

How is a heart attack treated? 

Time matters during a heart attack. Each minute that blood flow is blocked, more heart tissue is at risk. Treatment focuses on restoring circulation as quickly as possible. 

Medications  

You may receive medicines that: 

• Prevent blood clots (aspirin, antiplatelet agents, blood thinners) 
• Improve blood flow to the heart (nitroglycerin) 
• Reduce heart strain (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) 
• Lower cholesterol (statins) 
• Break apart clots in certain cases (thrombolytics) 

Procedures 

If an artery is blocked, one of the following may be needed: 

Coronary angioplasty and stenting 

A catheter is used to open the blockage and place a small mesh tube (stent) to keep the artery open. 

Coronary artery bypass surgery 

A surgeon creates a new path for blood to flow around the blocked artery. 

Cardiac rehabilitation 

Banner Health offers cardiac rehab programs that often begin in the hospital and continue at home or an outpatient center. Rehab helps you: 

• Recover safely and regain strength 
• Manage blood pressure, cholesterol and stress 
• Build heart-healthy habits 
• Reduce the risk of future heart problems 

People who complete cardiac rehab are more likely to live longer and have fewer complications. 

If you or someone near you is experiencing chest pain or heart attack symptoms, call 911 right away. Prompt treatment saves lives.