What causes myocardial infarction?

Myocardial infarction is caused by blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle. This blockage typically happens when a cholesterol plaque in the artery ruptures, triggering blood clot formation that completely blocks blood flow. When your heart muscle is deprived of oxygen-rich blood for too long, the affected tissue begins to die, resulting in permanent heart damage if not treated immediately.

What is the best test for myocardial infarction?

The Aldolase test is the most important enzyme marker for detecting myocardial infarction because it measures levels of aldolase released when heart muscle cells break down during a heart attack. When heart tissue is damaged, aldolase spills into your bloodstream, and elevated levels indicate active muscle damage. This test is typically used alongside other cardiac markers like troponin and creatine kinase to provide a comprehensive assessment of heart muscle injury. Blood tests for heart attacks work by detecting these specific enzymes and proteins that only appear when heart cells are damaged or dying.

When should I get tested for myocardial infarction?

You should get tested immediately if you experience chest pain or pressure, especially if it spreads to your arm, jaw, or back, or if you have shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, or sudden dizziness. Anyone with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, or family history of heart disease should consider regular cardiac screening. If you have unexplained fatigue, heart palpitations, or discomfort during physical activity, blood tests can help identify early signs of heart muscle stress before a major cardiac event occurs.

What are the symptoms of myocardial infarction?

Myocardial infarction symptoms include intense chest pain or pressure that feels like squeezing or heaviness, often described as an elephant sitting on your chest. You might experience pain radiating to your left arm, jaw, neck, or back, along with shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness. Some people, especially women and diabetics, may have atypical symptoms like unusual fatigue, indigestion-like discomfort, or anxiety without significant chest pain.

Who is at risk for myocardial infarction?

People at highest risk for myocardial infarction include those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Smokers and those with sedentary lifestyles face significantly increased risk. Age is a major factor, with men over 45 and women over 55 at greater risk. Family history of heart disease, chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and conditions like sleep apnea also increase your chances of having a heart attack.

What happens if myocardial infarction is left untreated?

Untreated myocardial infarction leads to permanent death of heart muscle tissue, severely weakening your heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This can result in heart failure, dangerous irregular heart rhythms, cardiogenic shock, or sudden cardiac death. The longer the heart muscle goes without blood flow, the more extensive and irreversible the damage becomes. Survivors of untreated heart attacks often face chronic heart failure, requiring lifelong medication and experiencing significant limitations in daily activities and quality of life.

Can myocardial infarction be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, myocardial infarction can be diagnosed with blood tests that detect cardiac markers released when heart muscle cells are damaged. The Aldolase test measures enzyme levels that rise when heart tissue breaks down, while troponin and creatine kinase tests are also commonly used. These blood markers typically appear within hours of a heart attack and remain elevated for several days, allowing doctors to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of heart muscle damage even if the EKG results are inconclusive.

How is myocardial infarction treated?

Myocardial infarction treatment focuses on immediately restoring blood flow to the heart muscle through clot-busting medications or emergency procedures like angioplasty and stent placement. You will receive aspirin, blood thinners, beta-blockers, and pain medication in the emergency room. After stabilization, treatment includes cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle modifications, and long-term medications like statins, ACE inhibitors, and antiplatelet drugs to prevent future heart attacks and manage risk factors.

How can I prevent myocardial infarction?

You can prevent myocardial infarction by maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats and sodium. Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and maintain a healthy weight. Regular health screenings to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are essential, along with taking prescribed medications if you have existing heart disease risk factors.

What can I do at home to support heart health after myocardial infarction?

After a myocardial infarction, you can support heart recovery at home by following your prescribed medication regimen strictly, attending cardiac rehabilitation sessions, and gradually increasing physical activity as approved by your doctor. Focus on stress reduction through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, and ensure you get adequate sleep each night. Monitor your symptoms daily, watch for warning signs like recurring chest pain, and keep a log of your blood pressure and heart rate. Maintain a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and seeds.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Myocardial Infarction Blood Test

What is Myocardial Infarction?

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a life-threatening condition where blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue death. It is caused by blockage of coronary arteries, typically from blood clots forming on ruptured cholesterol plaques. The Aldolase test is the most important enzyme marker for detecting heart muscle damage during myocardial infarction.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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