A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction, sometimes simply referred to as an “MI.” A heart attack occurs when a blockage in one or more coronary arteries reduces or stops blood flow to the heart, which starves part of the heart muscle of oxygen.
The blood vessel blockage might be complete or partial:
A complete blockage of a coronary artery is a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
A partial blockage is a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
It help your medical team determine if a heart attack occurred, how much your heart was damaged and what degree of coronary artery disease (CAD) you might have.
The tests help the health care team determine what treatment is needed and what lifestyle changes will help you improve your heart health and prevent future medical events.
Non-invasive diagnostic testing involving imaging may include a needle stick such as for an intravenous injection of a contrast agent. Invasive procedures can include insertion of a tube, device or scope, and blood tests.
Blood testing may include the following-
• Cardiac enzymes (including troponin and creative kinase)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• fibrinogen
• homocysteine
• lipoproteins
• triglycerides
• brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
• prothrombin.
• Confirms that a heart attack has occurred and determines extent of damage.
• Assesses future risk for coronary artery disease.
• Provides information on the time it takes for the blood to clot.