If you or someone around you is experiencing signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw or back, call 911 immediately. Do not wait or try to drive yourself to the hospital. Every second counts, and emergency responders can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital.
STEMI heart attacks differ from NSTEMI heart attacks in another key way: how they show up on diagnostic testing.
This is where the condition’s name comes into play. The “ST-segment” that’s part of the name references a section of an electrocardiogram (ECG), a medical test that detects the electrical activity in the heart.
When the heart is healthy, the ST-segment should not contain any electrical activity. If the ST-segment is elevated, it can mean there's a blockage in the heart’s arteries. This blockage can damage the heart muscle. That's why doctors use an ECG to check if someone is having a heart attack and to understand what type of heart attack it might be.
Because a heart attack is a medical emergency, your diagnosis will typically begin in an ambulance or helicopter on the way to the hospital. If you arrive in a car, your diagnosis will begin in the emergency department. During the diagnosis phase, your medical team will:
- Ask about your medical history and current medical conditions.
- Examine your body, including your abdomen, eyes and ears, feet and ankles, neck, nose and mouth, and skin.
- Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.
If you are unconscious and unable to speak, your medical team will get as much information as possible from someone who accompanies you to the hospital.
Patients experiencing heart attack symptoms and coming to UK HealthCare via an ambulance or helicopter may be taken straight to the cardiac catheterization lab for additional tests and treatment. Patients who arrive at the hospital via private car may be initially evaluated in the emergency department and then taken to the cardiac catheterization lab.
Your provider’s first step in diagnosing your heart condition is taking your history, followed by a physical exam. The purpose is to learn about your symptoms and overall health. During your visit, expect your provider to do the following:
- Discuss your medical history and current medical conditions.
- Examine your body, including your abdomen, eyes and ears, feet and ankles, neck, nose and mouth, and skin.
- Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.
Blood tests, a common part of a medical exam, are tests that help doctors diagnose medical conditions. Blood tests can be used to check your overall health, and they can alert your doctor to changes occurring within your body.
During most blood tests, a healthcare provider inserts a needle into your arm at your elbow. The blood flows through the needle and into a tube, which is sealed and evaluated in a lab.
A blood test usually takes less than 15 minutes.
An electrocardiogram is a noninvasive test that records your heart’s electrical activity.
During an electrocardiogram, temporary electrodes will be placed on the chest to monitor and record electrical signals. A computer then translates those signals into a wave pattern to be interpreted by a medical provider.
An electrocardiogram is a simple test that can be performed within minutes in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Other forms of ECG track the heart’s rhythms for longer periods of time. These include an event monitor, which is worn for a week or longer, and a Holter monitor, which is worn for up to 48 hours.
A chest X-ray is a noninvasive test that uses X-rays to capture detailed images of the organs in the chest, including the heart and lungs.
During the test, you may be asked to remove some clothing and other items that contain metal, which can interfere with the X-rays, including underwire bras and jewelry. X-rays may be taken while you’re lying on a table or while standing.
Chest X-rays typically involve two images – one from the front and one from the back. The entire process takes only a few minutes.
