A heart attack is most often diagnosed by abnormalities seen on an electrocardiogram, or ECG . Another diagnostic method is to measure the levels of certain enzymes that are released into the bloodstream during a heart attack. Because these enzymes may not rise for several hours after the pain begins, a person with a suspected heart attack is often admitted to a hospital. Rechecks of these levels over a period of time will determine if a heart attack has occurred. A person can experience severe chest pain or angina without having a heart attack.
Depression can occur following a heart attack.
Most people who survive for a few days after a heart attack can expect a full recovery. Heart attacks are not contagious and pose no risk to others. The treatment for a heart attack depends on the cause. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the chance the person will survive. The most important initial treatment is to stop the pain.