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How to test for Angina?
(April 21, 2010)
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Chest pain which is caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen and blood to the heart is called Angina Pectoris. This usually happens to people with coronary artery disease (CAD), in which the arteries get clogged and narrowed because of atherosclerosis. People who suffer from angina may not face any problems during their routine and daily activities; but their hearts may be unable to cope with activities that demand increased amounts of oxygen. This happens especially when the person goes through activities like exercise, is present in places with extreme temperatures or in times of physical or emotional stress.
A person suffering from angina may feel pressure, discomfort pain in the jaw, arm, back or left shoulder, or have chest pain. These pains normally disappear when the person is at rest. It is difficult to find out the levels of activity or stress that trigger off an episode in different persons, or in the same person at different times. It is also difficult to identify angina in elderly persons since many of them suffer from pain in the shoulder or back due to arthritis, while many suffer abdominal pain and pain caused by indigestion and gas.
Angina can be classified into three main types – stable angina, unstable angina and variant angina. Whatever be the type, it is best to get yourself tested and treated, because otherwise angina could lead to a serious heart attack.
The first step to test for angina would be a physical test, to establish your age, general health, lifestyle and activities, along with any other physical problems or ailments you may suffer from.
A blood test is advised to check for other problems such as high cholesterol levels, a high glucose level, anemia, kidney or thyroid problems which may be linked to angina.
An electrocardiograph (ECG) could also be advised. These are taken under two conditions – while you are resting (normal ECG) or under physical stress such as on a treadmill or bike (abnormal ECG). The exercise ECG helps to assess the severity of your condition.
You may also have to undergo a Continuous ECG Monitoring, where you will have to wear a monitor which will evaluate your heart rhythm over a certain period of time.
A chest X-ray, or an echocardiography (this is an ultrasound imaging of the heart) are some of the tests that are done to test for angina.
You may also be asked to get a radionuclide imaging. In this, a radioactive compound will be injected into a vein, and images of the blood vessels around your heart will be projected on a screen. This would allow your doctor to determine if the blood vessels have become narrowed.
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Submitted by M T on April 21, 2010 at 12:31
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