Diagnosis Methods For Coronary Heart Disease And Angina

Diagnosing coronary heart disease (CHD) with angina involves a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, physical signs, and various diagnostic tests. This approach helps doctors accurately identify the condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Evaluating Symptoms

One of the primary indicators of angina is chest pain or discomfort that typically occurs during physical exertion, emotional stress, or exposure to cold temperatures. Patients often describe a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness behind the breastbone. This pain may radiate to the left arm, back, neck, or jaw. A key characteristic of angina is that symptoms usually subside within a few minutes after taking nitroglycerin, a medication that relaxes and widens blood vessels.

Physical Examination And Clinical Signs

During a physical exam, a healthcare provider may look for signs such as elevated blood pressure, abnormal heart sounds, or other indicators of heart disease. While physical findings may not always be conclusive, they provide important context when combined with patient history and test results.

Diagnostic Tests And Procedures

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram is a common and valuable tool in diagnosing angina. During a chest pain episode, an ECG may show ST-segment depression of more than 0.1 mV and inverted T waves, which suggest reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. When symptoms subside, these changes often return to normal, further supporting the diagnosis of angina.

Blood Tests For Cardiac Markers

In more severe cases, especially when angina is unstable, blood tests may reveal elevated levels of cardiac biomarkers such as troponin or creatine kinase-MB. These substances are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged or under stress.

Coronary Angiography

The gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease is coronary angiography. This imaging procedure allows doctors to visualize the coronary arteries and identify any narrowing or blockages caused by plaque buildup. By combining the results of angiography with clinical symptoms and other test findings, a definitive diagnosis of coronary heart disease with angina can be made.