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Determining the cause for chest pain: Acute coronary syndrome or heart attack

Acute coronary syndrome is a catch medical phrase that describes any medical condition which obstructs the blood flow to the heart.  The Montreal Heart institute is a major center for treating acute coronary syndrome.  

According to a major study of over 18, 000 patients conducted over a period of 17 years, the Montreal Heart Institute noted that the cases of acute coronary syndrome is going up every year in Montreal.

Yet, Montrealers are often taken to the hospital by ambulance and will be transported to the nearest hospital.   If you are a Montrealer and you have the option available, please visit the Montreal Heart Institute for treatment.

Acute coronary syndrome explained

This catch all category for heart conditions are often seen in the emergency for the very first time.    

However, for any Montrealer having chronic chest pain, it is recommended that you see your GP or make an appointment with the hospital or clinic in your area.  The attending physician most likely will order a series of tests.  Blood tests usually require fasting for 12 hours before taking the test. These tests are designed to check for cholesterol or blood sugar levels. You may also need imaging tests such as an MRI.

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To determine acute coronary syndrome the medical technician will use different diagnostic tests such as the  electrocardiogram; probably the most well known heart test.  Heart waves are measured by electrical impulses to determined if a heart attack has occurred.

When someone is having a heart attack certain enzymes are released into the blood stream.  These enzymes can be discovered through blood tests. Other blood tests may be required to determine the cause of the chest pain.

If the cause of the chest pain can not be readily determined more evasive tests may be necessary such as the coronary angiogram which is a type of Xray.  The technician will inject dye into the arteries and the machine will detect damage to the arteries. The coronary angiogram is part of series of tests called cardiac catherization.  Doctors can repair the damage in the arteries at this time as well.

These tests will take some time and therefore the patient and family will have a long wait sometime before answers can be given in many cases.  It is a very stressful time for all.

Source:

Mayo Clinic article acute coronary syndrome 

, Montreal Health Examiner

Carol Roach is a McGill masters graduate of counselling psychology. Mind and body issues are interconnected and Carol is very interested in both mental and physical health. She has worked for the Douglas Hospital in Montreal and is a freelance writer who has written over 600 articles for medical...

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