Heart Attack - Diagnosis | NHLBI, NIH During a heart attack, heart muscle cells die and release proteins into your bloodstream Blood tests can measure the amount of these proteins in your blood For example, you may get a troponin test to measure the amount of a protein called troponin in your blood Troponin leaks when heart muscle cells die during a heart attack Blood tests often are repeated to check for changes over time
Heart Tests - Heart Tests | NHLBI, NIH Heart imaging tests take pictures of your heart or its arteries or blood vessels to help your doctor see whether there are any problems Cardiac CT scan A cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan, also called a "CAT scan,” is a painless, non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays to take many detailed pictures of your heart and its blood vessels
Cholesterol Your Heart: What You Need to Know - NHLBI, NIH LDL deposits cholesterol inside the blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body Over time, this may cause your arteries to narrow or get blocked, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, or other health problems
Stents - Living With a Stent | NHLBI, NIH If you have a stent because of coronary heart disease or carotid artery disease, you are still at risk of having a heart attack or a stroke Learn the signs of a heart attack and the signs of a stroke and call 9–1–1 if you or someone else needs help
The Heart Truth® | NHLBI, NIH Join NHLBI, The Heart Truth, and organizations around the country on National Wear Red Day®, celebrated each year on the first Friday in February, to bring greater attention to heart disease awareness as the leading cause of death for Americans Use the poster, stickers, and social media resources below to promote Wear Red Day in your community
Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors - NHLBI, NIH Your risk of coronary heart disease increases based on the number of risk factors you have and how serious they are Some risk factors — such as high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels can be adjusted through heart-healthy lifestyle changes Other risk factors, such as your age, family history, and race and ethnicity, cannot be changed
Atherosclerosis Diagnosis - NHLBI, NIH This procedure can check the arteries in the heart, neck, brain, or other areas of the body Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) detects tissue damage or problems with blood flow in the heart or coronary arteries Cardiac MRI can help explain results from other imaging tests such as chest X-rays and CT scans
Control the ABCs of Diabetes - NHLBI, NIH Control the ABCs of Diabetes If you have diabetes, three key steps—the ABCs—can help you better manage it and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke Learn about the ABCs and keep track of your progress for each one
Stroke - Diagnosis | NHLBI, NIH Electrocardiogram (EKG) can help find heart problems that may have led to a stroke For example, this test can help diagnose atrial fibrillation or a previous heart attack
Coronary Heart Disease - Diagnosis | NHLBI, NIH Screening for coronary heart disease You may not have any symptoms until you have a serious health problem, such as a heart attack or cardiac arrest Regular checkups allow you to talk with your healthcare provider about your risk and how to prevent heart disease Heart-healthy lifestyle changes can also help