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Chest Pain / Angina Pectoris: Difference between revisions
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→Electrocardiogram (ECG)
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The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an easy and important tool to differentiate between unstable angina (acute coronary syndrome) and stable angina. Patients with unstable angina pectoris are likely to show abnormalities on the ECG at rest, in particular ST-segment deviations. | The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an easy and important tool to differentiate between unstable angina (acute coronary syndrome) and stable angina. Patients with unstable angina pectoris are likely to show abnormalities on the ECG at rest, in particular ST-segment deviations. | ||
Although a resting ECG may show signs of coronary artery disease such as pathological Q-waves indicating a previous MI or other abnormalities, most patients with stable angina pectoris often have a completely normal ECG at rest. Therefore exercise ECG testing might be necessary to show signs of myocardial ischemia. <Cite>REFNAME10</Cite> | Although a resting ECG may show signs of coronary artery disease such as pathological Q-waves indicating a previous MI or other abnormalities, most patients with stable angina pectoris often have a completely normal ECG at rest. Therefore exercise ECG testing might be necessary to show signs of myocardial ischemia. <Cite>REFNAME10</Cite> | ||
'''Exercise ECG testing''' is performed with gradually increasing intensity on a treadmill or a bicycle ergo meter. Exercise increases the oxygen demand of the heart, potentially revealing myocardial ischemia by the occurrence of ST-segment depression on the ECG. <Cite>REFNAME11</Cite> | '''Exercise ECG testing''' is performed with gradually increasing intensity on a treadmill or a bicycle ergo meter. Exercise increases the oxygen demand of the heart, potentially revealing myocardial ischemia by the occurrence of ST-segment depression on the ECG. <Cite>REFNAME11</Cite> | ||