The consequences of a heart attack are severe. They can result in patients suffering functional limitations, incapacitation or even death. When early symptoms of a heart attack are present, it is the responsibility of your doctors to recognize them and take preventative actions.

Symptoms can include:

If a patient shows signs of these symptoms, laboratory testing and imaging studies should be immediately ordered to determine the exact nature of the problem. Further analysis should include an electrocardiogram. Any delay in correctly diagnosing the infarction or when patients are discharged from hospitals without proper diagnosis, they may suffer significant repercussions, including death. Once a myocardial infarction has been diagnosed, treatment should begin at once.

Many heart attacks can be prevented with proper and timely medical intervention. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to conduct proper testing and accurately interpret test results.