Quick version
A heart attack is a very serious medical event that requires immediate care, and every year approximately 25,000 people in Sweden suffer a heart attack. Of those who experience an acute myocardial infarction, 22 percent die within 28 days, underscoring the importance of prompt treatment. Men account for about 64 percent of all acute myocardial infarctions, but women are not exempt from risk. Thanks to improved treatment methods, survival rates have increased, but identifying a heart attack in its early stages is still crucial to saving lives. In this article, we will review common symptoms of a heart attack and explain how the blood tests Troponin T and Creatine Kinase (CK) are used to confirm a diagnosis.
Common symptoms of a heart attack
It is important to note that the symptoms of a heart attack can vary. Sometimes, a heart attack may even be "silent," meaning asymptomatic, and only discovered afterward through medical examinations. However, the most typical symptoms include:
Chest pain: The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. The pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, or a burning sensation in the chest. It may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath can occur both at rest and during exertion. It is a common symptom often accompanied by chest pain.
Sweating: Excessive sweating without an obvious reason can be a sign of a heart attack.
Nausea and vomiting: Many people experience nausea or even vomiting during a heart attack.
Dizziness or fainting: Dizziness or fainting may occur due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue, especially in women, can be an early sign of a heart attack.
The blood tests Troponin T and Creatine Kinase (CK)
What is Troponin T?
Troponin is a protein found specifically in the heart muscle and plays an important role in muscle contraction. When the heart muscle is damaged, as in a heart attack, Troponin is released into the bloodstream. Measuring Troponin levels is used to diagnose heart attacks because it is highly specific to heart muscle damage. Troponin levels can remain elevated in the blood for several days after a heart attack, making it a reliable tool for detecting even small heart injuries afterward.
What is Creatine Kinase (CK)?
Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in various types of muscle tissue, including skeletal muscles, heart muscles, and the brain. CK-MB is a specific isoenzyme form primarily found in the heart and is released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged. Previously, CK-MB was a common test for diagnosing heart attacks, but in recent times it has often been replaced by Troponin, as Troponin T is more specific to heart damage and remains in the blood longer than CK, making it easier to track damage over time.
How do the tests work?
Blood tests for both Troponin T and CK are often taken several times over a few hours to monitor changes in levels. If the levels of Troponin T or CK-MB rise above normal, it indicates damage to the heart muscle, helping to confirm a heart attack. However, Troponin T has become the preferred test due to its higher specificity for heart muscle damage and its ability to provide a more accurate picture of the injury, especially in acute situations.
Scientific evidence
Several studies have confirmed that the Troponin T test is one of the most reliable tools for diagnosing heart attacks. According to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, elevated Troponin T levels have shown a strong correlation with the risk of future cardiovascular events. Although the Troponin T test is now the standard, CK-MB can sometimes be used as a complement, especially in cases where Troponin results are unclear or additional information is needed about the status of the heart muscle.
When should I seek care?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately. Early treatment can reduce damage to the heart and increase your chances of recovery.
Preventive measures
To reduce the risk of a heart attack, you should:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking.
- Manage stress through meditation or other relaxation techniques.
- Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly.