About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Angina Pectoris and Its ECG Features
Introduction
Angina pectoris is a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, commonly caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). Recognizing angina on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial for diagnosis and timely treatment.
Types of Angina
- Stable Angina – Occurs during exertion or emotional stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
- Unstable Angina – More severe, occurs unpredictably, and may indicate an impending heart attack.
- Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina – Caused by coronary artery spasm and often occurs at rest.
ECG Findings in Angina Pectoris
- ST-Segment Depression: Indicates subendocardial ischemia, common in stable angina.
- T-Wave Inversions: May suggest ongoing ischemia.
- ST-Segment Elevation (Transient): Seen in variant angina due to coronary artery spasm.
- Normal ECG: Some patients with angina may have a normal ECG, but stress testing can reveal ischemic changes.
Why ECG is Important
- Helps differentiate between stable and unstable angina.
- Crucial for detecting acute coronary syndromes.
- Important for monitoring patients with known coronary artery disease.
What to Do Next?
If you experience chest pain, especially with exertion, seek medical attention. A doctor may order an ECG, blood tests, or a stress test to evaluate your heart condition.
Summary
- Angina results from reduced heart blood flow.
- ECG findings include ST-segment depression, T-wave inversions, and transient ST-segment elevation.
- A normal ECG does not rule out angina, so further testing may be required.
- Immediate medical evaluation is essential if you experience symptoms.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-guideline-for-the-management-of-patients-with-chronic-coronary-disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000095
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077860/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks/silent-ischemia-and-ischemic-heart-disease
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Chronic Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Chronic-Coronary-Syndromes
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3415/7743115
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504439/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/3/407/5556137
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39210710/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.