On 14/9, Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh, head of the cardiology department at Medlatec General Hospital, reported that the patient initially wanted a gastroscopy. However, doctors observed atypical symptoms not indicative of a stomach problem. Specifically, the patient's upper abdominal pain occurred during exertion, such as climbing stairs, and subsided with rest. The patient was also being treated for hypertension.
Instead of a gastroscopy, the patient received an electrocardiogram, which yielded normal results. However, a highly sensitive troponin T test revealed significantly elevated levels, at 1425 ng/mL (normal range is below 14 ng/mL). This is a specific biomarker used to diagnose acute myocardial injury.
Consequently, the patient was diagnosed with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and underwent coronary angioplasty with stent placement. After two days of intensive care, the patient's condition stabilized.
Dr. Minh warned that heart attacks don't always present with the typical symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath. Besides these two signs, patients may experience chest tightness, pain in the chest, back, jaw, arm, or upper abdomen; unusual fatigue; cold sweats; nausea or vomiting; sudden dizziness or lightheadedness; and rapid heartbeat.
These symptoms can be fleeting and vague, so vigilance is crucial. If any of these unusual signs appear, individuals should immediately seek medical attention at a facility equipped for cardiac interventions to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment. The golden hour for treating a heart attack is the first one or two hours after the onset of symptoms.
Dr. Minh recommends regular cardiac check-ups for people over 50 to ensure early detection and prevention of dangerous heart conditions.
Le Nga
