And Diagnosis

Symptoms of Angina Pectoris may be hard to differentiate from gastric pain caused by acid reflux, muscular causes, or a heart attack. In the case of serious symptoms, this is an emergency to rule out and treat other possible conditions in  a timely fashion. The symptoms listed as follows are typical of Angina Pectoris.

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Nausea/ Vomiting

• Referred pain (jaws and upper left arm)

• Fatigue

• Diaphoresis/Sweating

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

Angina Pectoris Diagnosis  

Individuals complaining of sudden chest pain may be brought to the emergency room and presented with one or more of the following battery of tests.

Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) – This procedure involves placing an electrode on your chest to determine the direction of heart’s electrical discharges. Physicians may determine the rhythm and speed of the heart. Physicians may detect the abnormalities in the transmission of the impulse in an affected heart wall. ECG can rule out an impending heart attack.

Graduated Stress Test – This is also known as the treadmill test. During this test, he heart rate, blood pressure and ECG readings are continually monitored while the individual is performing the exercises. Graduated climbs or speed of the treadmill may be implored to gradually increase the heart stress and detect bouts of angina during the exertion process. Medicines may be given to make the heart work faster and harder during the exercise.

Echocardiography – Utilizes sound waves to elucidate the image of the heart real time. It can show the size and the shape of the heart. Cardiologists may carefully observe the behavior of the blood flow to certain areas of the heart where an ischemic damage may be eminent.

Chest X-Ray – Chest X-rays uses ionizing radiation to take pictures of the inside of the chest cavity. It can reveal enlargement of the heart that may relate to angina.

 Nuclear Scan – This process involves the infusion of small amounts of radioactive substance into the blood where it is absorbed by the myocardium. Imaging may reveal heart muscles with diminished uptake of the dye which may demonstrate recent myocardial damage.

Blood Tests – Certain cardiac enzymes like troponin, CK-MB and myoglobin may increase during a recent myocardial ischemia or infarction.

Cardiac Angiography– – This is an invasive procedure whereby a flexible plastic tube is inserted in a big vessel of the thigh, arm or neck, and threaded to the heart. Cardiac catheters may feed a dye to illustrate an arterial blockade in the affected coronaries that may cause chest pain and angina.

Other Possibilities to Rule Out?

Physicians are aware that individuals with anxiety disorders and panic attacks usually mimic the symptoms of angina attacks. Gastric conditions like peptic ulcers, esophageal reflux disease, and acute gastritis will also present with chest pain. Pericardial inflammation and infusion may pose the same symptoms as mentioned above. A well trained clinician can easily differentiate between these and use the basic diagnostics to his or her advantage.

Next Visit, Angina Pectoris Treatments

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.