Diagnosis:

The best way to identify a silent heart attack is through careful study of medical history, EKG (electrocardiogram; measures heart activity) and testing the blood for cardiac enzymes. The most important treatment in silent heart attack is restoring the blood flow to the heart.

Restoring blood flow can be accomplished by dissolving clots found in the coronary artery (thrombolysis) or by inserting special catheters inside the partially or totally blocked coronary artery open using a balloon (angioplasty). Both thrombolysis and angioplasty may be used at the same time.  In addition, specialized stents may be inserted into the coronary artery once the blockage is corrected in attempt to help maintain normal blood flow to the heart muscle indefinitely.