Characteristics of ECG in Typical Angina Pectoris

During an episode of typical angina pectoris, the electrocardiogram (ECG) often reveals transient changes in the ST segment. These alterations may include either ST-segment elevation or depression. In some cases, these changes are accompanied by T-wave abnormalities, conduction disturbances, or cardiac arrhythmias.

Dynamic ST-T Segment Changes

One of the key features of typical angina is the dynamic nature of ST-T segment changes. These abnormalities may appear during the onset of chest pain and resolve once the episode subsides. This fluctuation in ECG patterns is crucial for identifying ischemic heart disease related to angina.

Diagnostic Applications

Based on these characteristics, healthcare providers often recommend specific diagnostic tests such as Holter monitoring or exercise stress testing. These methods help capture ECG changes that occur before, during, and after physical activity. By analyzing these variations, clinicians can more accurately confirm the presence of angina and assess the extent of myocardial ischemia.

Exercise stress testing, in particular, is valuable for eliciting ECG changes that may not be evident at rest. It provides insights into how the heart responds to increased workload and can reveal ischemic changes that support a diagnosis of angina pectoris.