Heart Attack Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have a heart attack, you should seek immediate medical attention by going straight to the hospital. Many blood and imaging tests can be performed once there, including:
- Chest X-ray
- ECG or electrocardiograph
- Cardiac enzyme tests
Heart Attack Recovery
It can be a gradual process to recover from a heart attack. It depends on the heart attack’s severity and other factors, such as the age of a person. Recovery of a person with a heart attack may involve:
Resuming physical activity – The patient must remain active during a healing period of a heart attack. Any workout plan should be developed by a professional, however.
Returning to work – The time to return to work depends on different factors, including the nature of the heart attack and the type of work they do. Not going back to work just after a heart attack is important.
A period of depression – Not long afterwards, many people who had a heart attack may experience depression.
Driving again – Experts advise a person with a recent MI to refrain from driving for at least four weeks.
Erectile dysfunction – After a heart attack, about one-third of men are having trouble getting or sustaining an erection. It is important to consult your heart specialist about erectile dysfunction, as in most cases, medicine will restore function. Experts say that sexual activity does not increase the risk of another heart attack.
