After the heart attack there is muscle damage, from where some enzymes are released into the blood. These enzymes, if raised, are suggestive of a heart attack. Some of these enzymes are called CPK, CPKMB, LDH, SGOT, SGPT etc.

During the heart attack the muscles of the heart die, as they are not getting any blood supply. As the Cholesterol Blockages cannot be removed (which form 70-80 %), the blood clot removal is the only source of relief for the patients - who are in the face of losing heart muscles.

Immediate injection of clot busters like Streptokinase, Urokinase (very expensive injections) or drip of Heparin is the only possible remedial measure. If they are able to break the clot ( which usually closes 20-30% of the lumen of the tube), the heart muscles would be able to get atleast some blood immediately and will survive if administered within one hour of the attack these injections can nullify almost all the damages of the heart attack. It will still have some effect if given within next five hours. But many a time these injections fail to deliver results. These medicines also have their side-effects like internal bleedings, cerebral haemorrhage, peptic ulcer bleeding and can be dangerous sometimes.

The damaged area of the heart causes a strain on the other live areas of the heart muscles. And it is very essential to avoid further heart attacks. So, after a heart attack, the patients are advised to stay in the hospital for a period of about seven days, the first few days being in the ICCU (Intensive Coronary Care Unit). Here, it is possible to take care of any emergency.

Early mobilisation of the heart attack patient, starting from the fifth day, is the latest concept of treatment. Previously it was seen that heart patients were not allowed any movement for the next one month or so. Now the dictum has changed, as with early movement (walks, exercises) the recovery has been found to be better.