The following tests are considered as the primary tests to detect a heart attack. As mentioned above, the choice of these tests will depend on the condition of the patient, the symptoms and medical history.

1.Electrocardiogram – Abbreviated as ECG or EKG, this test is to measure the electrical activity of the heart. The test is performed by attaching electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs which are then connected to a machine. The test captures the timing and the strength of electrical signals in the heart. During this test, electricity is not passed through the body, but the signals are monitored. The ECG detects abnormal heart rhythms, possible heart muscle damage, and heart attacks that have occurred in the past.

2.Blood tests – These tests are conducted to confirm a heart attack by reading markers in the blood that indicate damage to heart muscle.  During heart muscle damage or injury, a specific protein, and a specific enzyme are released in the blood. The blood test detects the presence of this protein and enzyme to indicate if you have had a heart attack. When you make a general inquiry and information request about tests for heart attack, most hospitals give a quick explanation about these tests.

The different markers, such as protein/enzyme that are released during a heart attack include the following:

• Troponin – this is a protein that has typically very low levels in the blood in a person. During a heart attack when the muscle is damaged, this protein is released and results in elevated levels. Tests that indicate higher levels of Troponin offer confirmation of a heart attack.
• Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) – this is another enzyme that helps understand muscle damage during a heart attack. The levels of this enzyme increase in the blood following damage to heart muscle, and blood tests with elevated levels confirm a heart attack.
• Myoglobin – this is also considered as an early indicator of heart muscle injury. However, it is not as specific as the protein troponin, and is therefore not the preferred test.
  
  

3.Chest X-ray – This imaging test is often carried out after the ECG and blood tests, and is not always the first test in a hospital. The purpose of the test is to capture an image of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. This will help detect the size of the heart size, and build-up of fluid in the lungs. Additionally, this also captures other conditions and helps in understanding the reason behind reported symptoms during general inquiry and information.

4.Echocardiogram – this is another test that follows the usual initial tests. This involves the use of ultrasound waves to record a moving image of the heart. This helps to understand the functioning of the heart, and the movement of the heart’s walls. This also captures damage to the heart muscle.

The test involves the use of a transducer, that sends sound waves to the heart. The echoes of sound waves are captured as images for an interpretation of various parameters.

5.Other tests – In addition to the above, other tests include coronary angiography, cardiac MRI, CT coronary angiography and stress tests. These tests are more advanced in nature and are usually performed after the initial tests are conducted.

There is a clear danger when underlying heart conditions are not detected on time. A recent study shows that more than two thirds of people who have had a heart attack due to reasons other than blood clots, have some undetected heart condition. While tests can help with confirmation of heart attack, after the actual attack, it is always best to know about underlying conditions before the attack. This will help in preventing fatalities and also help to reduce the risk of attacks.

The American Heart Association reported findings about people who had Type 2 heart attacks, caused by strains due to infections or high rate of heart beats. This has the effect of reducing blood pressure levels or oxygen levels in the blood. During the study, advanced heart imaging tests were conducted and it was revealed that patients had narrowed arteries or weakened heart muscles. These were in most cases not diagnosed, and a very small number of patients had received treatment. 

This makes it necessary to undergo other tests to determine the underlying conditions in time. Genetic testing holds out great promise as it helps detect the genetic component of certain underlying conditions. In other words, you can determine if you are genetically predisposed to certain conditions. Armed with this information, you can seek timely treatment and make suitable changes in lifestyle to reduce the risk of heart attacks.

• Better diagnosis to indicate heart muscle damage, through reliable sensitivity to heart muscle injury.
• The high levels of troponin in blood samples will either confirm or rule out a heart attack. For example, angina or gastrointestinal issues are also other possible reasons of chest pain.
• Extent of damage is assessed through the values in the biomarkers, helping determining the severity of the attack.
• Gives a sense of urgency to the treatment by helping specialists decide on the type of treatment required.
• Monitoring outcome of treatment by measuring the biomarkers values in subsequent tests.
  
  

Here is additional information about heart attack and its relationship with cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can result in an abnormal build of plaque in the coronary arteries. This, in turn, can cause blockages which could end up in heart attacks. This could be either types of heart attacks – STEMI or NSTEMI.

Here are first hand accounts of survivors of heart attacks. Learn of the different symptoms and experiences recounted by survivors. 

1. A man aged 60, used to experience some kind of stabbing pain in the back during certain actions like climbing up or down stairs. He also experienced indigestion, and a squeezing sensation on his heart. These were symptoms that he ignored, which were building up within him. One night, he felt uneasy before dinner, he felt feverish, even though his body temperature was normal. He then experienced indigestion. Finally, when he experienced a severe crushing sensation in his heart, he realized he was having a heart attack. He was rushed to hospital, underwent an open heart surgery, survived, and lived to tell his story.
2. A lady aged 62 experienced a full feeling in her stomach despite not having overeaten. She then experienced a tightness in her chest and was short of breath. The symptoms seemed to have reduced, and she slept over it. However, the symptoms increased later, and she was rushed to a hospital. She was diagnosed with a blockage in her artery, and after treatment is now leading a near-normal life.

There are multiple examples of different types of heart attack symptoms and triggers that clearly show the importance of awareness. Here is a look at some of the common symptoms.

1. Pain or discomfort in the chest – This could be some kind of squeezing sensation, pressure or pain right in the middle of the chest. This usually lasts for a few minutes, and can sometimes reduce to return later. 
2. Discomfort in the upper part of the body – If you have any abnormal pain or discomfort in your arms, in the back, your neck or jaw, you need to look for other symptoms or triggers. 
3. Difficulty breathing – This may occur with or without any discomfort in the chest and during physical activity or while resting. 
4. Breaking into a cold sweat – If you are experiencing any abnormal cold sweat, beware, it could also indicate heart attack symptoms and triggers, if other factors contribute to a heart attack.
5. Feelings of nausea and possible vomiting – There could be a sudden feeling of nausea with or without vomiting. 
6. A lightheaded or dizzy feeling – Some people are known to feel faint or experience a passing out sensation, and this is also a possible symptom of a heart attack.
7. Overall tiredness – Women may experience extended periods of fatigue.

Yes, high blood pressure contributes to high risk of heart attack. Two of the most renowned ogranisations – the World Health Organisation, and the American Heart Association support this finding. Hypertension is the leading cause of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Listed below are some of the effects of blood pressure on heart disease.

Education is the cornerstone of a bright and promising future. But the truth about learning extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.  

Nurture the child’s natural curiosity and interests, while exposing them to a rich tapestry of experiences that ignite some of the passion and fuel proper imagination. 

Encourage exploration in diverse fields. Right from science and literature to art and music—and celebrate the unique talents and strengths.  

Foster a love of learning that transcends grades and accolades and instills in them a lifelong thirst for knowledge and self-discovery.

• Intrinsic Motivation: Some of the children are driven by an intrinsic desire to excel. It is well fueled by a passion for mastery and self-improvement.  

Some of the competitive spirit shall arise from within, propelling them to set high standards and persist in the face of challenges. 

• Extrinsic Incentives: Others might be quite well motivated by external rewards like recognition, praise, or tangible prizes.  

For such children, competition shall serve as a pathway to validation and affirmation, driving them to seek proper approval and validation from others. 

• Collaborative Competition: In some contexts, competition shall take on a collaborative dimension, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual support.  

Such children shall thrive in environments where competition is not a zero-sum game but rather it shall share a journey toward collective success. 

• Social Comparison: For some of the children, competition is intricately linked to social comparison, as it shall measure great worth right against their peers.  

This form of competition can be both motivating and fraught with proper insecurity. This goes well while shaping their sense of self-esteem and identity.