Angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, can be detected through several diagnostic methods, primarily focusing on evaluating the heart's electrical activity and blood flow.
Key Diagnostic Methods for Angina
Several tests and procedures are used to diagnose angina. These primarily look at how well your heart is functioning and how efficiently blood is moving through your heart’s vessels. Here's how doctors typically detect angina:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- This is a fundamental test that records the electrical activity of your heart.
- How it works: Electrodes are attached to your chest, arms, and legs to measure electrical signals.
- What it reveals: An ECG can identify irregularities in heart rhythm and may show signs of damage or strain related to reduced blood flow, which are common in angina.
- Types of ECG
- Resting ECG: Taken while you are at rest.
- Exercise ECG (Stress Test):
- An ECG is done while you walk on a treadmill or use an exercise bike.
- This test is crucial for identifying angina that occurs only during physical exertion.
- Helps assess how your heart responds to increased demand.
Coronary Angiography
- A more invasive test, typically done if other tests suggest significant blockage of the heart's blood vessels.
- How it works: A special dye is injected into your blood vessels, making them visible on an X-ray.
- What it reveals: This allows doctors to see any blockages in the arteries supplying blood to your heart. These blockages are a major cause of angina.
- Can reveal the extent of narrowing or blockages in the heart's arteries
Summary Table
| Test | Description | What it Detects | When it's Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resting ECG | Measures electrical activity of the heart at rest. | Irregular heart rhythm, signs of damage or strain. | Initial assessment. |
| Exercise ECG | Measures electrical activity while you exercise. | Angina that occurs with physical activity. | To assess heart function under stress. |
| Coronary Angiography | Uses dye and X-ray to view heart blood vessels. | Blockages in heart arteries. | To visualize the arteries of the heart. |
Important Considerations
- Symptoms: While these tests are important, the first step in detecting angina is often based on symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort that occurs during physical activity.
- Medical History: Your doctor will also consider your overall health, risk factors, and medical history.
By combining clinical evaluation with these diagnostic tests, doctors can accurately detect angina and determine the best course of treatment.
