Images taken inside heart during attack

LONDON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Scientists in Britain say images of bleeding taken from inside the heart could improve treatment for victims of heart attacks.

Scientists at Imperial College have produced the first images of a heart attack shown from within the heart by using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, or MRI, the Daily Mail reported Monday.

The images show how much internal bleeding is occurring, which gives better insight into tissue damage and subsequent means of treatment, said Dr. Declan O'Regan. Patients who develop bleeding inside the damaged heart muscle have a much poorer chance of recovery, he said.

O'Regan and his team of scientists captured images from within the heart of 15 patients who had recently suffered heart attacks.

The more doctors understand what happens during and after a heart attack, the more likely it is new ways will be found to counter the damage, said Dr. Stuart Cook, who participated in the research.