Silent Heart Attack

DRB,

Thanks for your question.

By definition, an elevation of certain cardiac enzymes in a pattern that drops in a classic pattern is enough to make the diagnosis of heart attack.  Of course, the doctors would want to be sure that there is no other cause for this elevation of enzymes, and that the enzymes are coming from the heart muscle. 

Other key factors are the patient's history of any pain, and the electrocardiogram.

The fact that your EKG and stress test is normal indicates that there has not been significant damage to your heart and its functions has been preserved.  These are good prognostic signs for your heart.  It's possible that the vessel involved was very small with a limited territory.  When it became blocked the area involved was very small. 

The important thing to remember is the prevention of any other blockages down the road.  This will require dietary and lifestyle changes as well as possible medication to keep cholesterol numbers very low, and other ant-platelet meds to prevent further clot formation  Also try to minimize and other risk factors that your may have such as smoking, excessive weight, hypertension, control of diabetes.

I hope this has been helpful.

Martin Cane, M.D.

DRB,

Thanks for your question.

By definition, an elevation of certain cardiac enzymes in a pattern that drops in a classic pattern is enough to make the diagnosis of heart attack.  Of course, the doctors would want to be sure that there is no other cause for this elevation of enzymes, and that the enzymes are coming from the heart muscle. 

Other key factors are the patient's history of any pain, and the electrocardiogram.

The fact that your EKG and stress test is normal indicates that there has not been significant damage to your heart and its functions has been preserved.  These are good prognostic signs for your heart.  It's possible that the vessel involved was very small with a limited territory.  When it became blocked the area involved was very small. 

The important thing to remember is the prevention of any other blockages down the road.  This will require dietary and lifestyle changes as well as possible medication to keep cholesterol numbers very low, and other ant-platelet meds to prevent further clot formation  Also try to minimize and other risk factors that your may have such as smoking, excessive weight, hypertension, control of diabetes.

I hope this has been helpful.

Martin Cane, M.D.

DRB,

Thanks for your question.

By definition, an elevation of certain cardiac enzymes in a pattern that drops in a classic pattern is enough to make the diagnosis of heart attack.  Of course, the doctors would want to be sure that there is no other cause for this elevation of enzymes, and that the enzymes are coming from the heart muscle. 

Other key factors are the patient's history of any pain, and the electrocardiogram.

The fact that your EKG and stress test is normal indicates that there has not been significant damage to your heart and its functions has been preserved.  These are good prognostic signs for your heart.  It's possible that the vessel involved was very small with a limited territory.  When it became blocked the area involved was very small. 

The important thing to remember is the prevention of any other blockages down the road.  This will require dietary and lifestyle changes as well as possible medication to keep cholesterol numbers very low, and other ant-platelet meds to prevent further clot formation  Also try to minimize and other risk factors that your may have such as smoking, excessive weight, hypertension, control of diabetes.

I hope this has been helpful.

Martin Cane, M.D.