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Doctors play a vital role in saving human lives during a heart attack. They don't guess when they diagnose it – they rely on several reliable, scientifically-backed methods. Dr. Leah Mirsafai, a well-known cardiologist, always emphasizes the importance of early and accurate diagnosis. When patients present with chest pain or other warning signs, he immediately begins evaluation to prevent complications and guide effective treatment. ** Knowing the symptoms
The first step in diagnosing a heart attack begins with the patient's history. Dr. Leah Mirsafai always asks the patient about the nature of chest pain. He listens for details such as whether the pain radiates to the arm, jaw, or back, and whether it feels like pressure, tightness, or heaviness. He also checks for additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, or fatigue. These symptoms give him a quick but informative overview of the patient's current condition. He is not satisfied with physical symptoms. He also asks about the patient's risk factors, including smoking habits, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and family history of heart disease. This information helps him assess the possibility of a heart attack even before any tests are performed. **Physical examination
After collecting the patient's history, Dr. Mirsafai performs a physical examination. He checks the patient's pulse and blood pressure and listens to his heart and lungs. These steps help him detect symptoms such as an abnormal heart rhythm or fluid in the lungs that could indicate heart failure related to a heart attack. He also checks for pale or sweaty skin and looks at the color of the lips and fingertips. A blue or gray color may indicate low oxygen levels, which are often associated with heart damage. **Electrocardiogram or ECG**
One of the most essential tools used by Dr. Leah Mirsafai is the electrocardiogram. He attaches electrodes to the patient's chest, arms and legs and records the heart's electrical signals. Changes in the pattern of these signals help him determine whether a patient is having a heart attack, and if so, what type. For example, he looks for ST-segment elevation, which usually means the patient is having a severe, full-thickness heart attack (STEMI). He can also diagnose other types such as NSTEMI (Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) or unstable angina. **Blood test
Along with the ECG, Dr. Mirsafai performs a blood test to check the damage of the heart muscle. When heart cells die from a heart attack, they release cardiac biomarkers into the bloodstream. The most important of these markers is troponin. Dr. Mirsefai checks the troponin level immediately and then again after a few hours. If the level rises significantly, he confirms that the patient has had a heart attack. He may also measure CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB) and myoglobin, although troponin remains the gold standard in his diagnostic approach. ** Chest photo
If the situation requires more information, Dr. Mirsafai prescribes a chest X-ray. This test helps him rule out other causes of chest pain, such as lung infections or aortic dissection. It also shows the size and shape of the heart and the presence of fluid in the lungs. Although a chest X-ray does not directly confirm a heart attack, it does help him get a better understanding of the patient's overall cardiovascular health. ** Echocardiogram
When Dr. Mirsafai wants to visualize the pumping action of the heart, he uses an echocardiogram, which works like an ultrasound of the heart. He applies a gel to the chest and uses a special device called a transducer. This device sends sound waves to the body and creates images of the heart on a screen. Through this method, he can see areas of the heart muscle that don't move normally. These inactive or weak areas may indicate tissue damage from a heart attack. An echocardiogram will also show him if the heart valves are working properly and if there are complications such as clots or ruptures. **Stress test
Sometimes, patients come to Dr. Mirsafai with chest discomfort that does not occur at rest. In these cases, he uses stress testing to assess how the heart responds to physical activity. He asks the patient to walk on a treadmill or uses drugs that stimulate the heart. Then, he'll monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms during the test. If the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood during stress, the patient may feel chest pain or show abnormal changes in the ECG. These results help Dr. Mirsafai to diagnose blocked arteries or identify patients who are at risk of future heart attacks. ** Coronary angiography
When noninvasive tests reveal serious heart disease, Dr. Mirsafai turns to a more direct method: coronary angiography. He or she inserts a thin catheter into a blood vessel in the arm or groin and guides it to the heart. Then, he injects contrast dye and takes X-ray pictures of the coronary arteries. This test allows him to see exactly where and how severe the blockages are. He uses this information to decide whether the patient needs a stent, bypass surgery, or medication. ** CT and MRI scans
Although not used in all cases, coronary CT angiography and cardiac MRI provide greater clarity. Dr. Mirsafai uses these tools when he needs a more accurate image of the heart and its blood vessels. Scans help him detect calcified plaques, while MRIs provide high-resolution images of the heart's tissue and function. These scans help him detect heart damage that may not be detected on an EKG or blood tests. They also help with long-term follow-up for patients who have recovered from a heart attack. **Combination of methods for accuracy
Dr. Lea Mirsafai does not rely on only one method. He always combines the patient's history, physical exam, EKG, blood tests, and imaging to confirm the diagnosis. This multi-step approach ensures accuracy and avoids false positives or missed diagnoses. He also pays attention to time. He acts quickly because every minute counts when the heart is starved of oxygen. He trains his team to follow protocols quickly and efficiently so as not to waste valuable time. **Conclusion**
Diagnosing a heart attack requires a combination of skill, tools and speed. Dr. Leah Mirsafai uses a comprehensive approach for early and accurate diagnosis of heart attacks. He listens to patients, assesses symptoms, reviews EKGs, orders blood tests, and judiciously uses imaging. With quick and accurate action, he saves lives and helps patients avoid complications. His experience shows that modern diagnosis does not depend on guesswork—it depends on science, observation, and dedication. If you wish, you can follow the Instagram page of Dr. Leah Mirsafai.
