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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Stable Angina: Diagnosis & Tests
      Category : Health Centers > Coronary Artery Disease

Stable Angina

Alternate Names : Angina Pectoris

Stable Angina | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the condition diagnosed?

Stable angina is usually diagnosed by a history of chest discomfort that is caused by exertion but goes away with rest. A physical exam may reveal signs of hardening of the arteries. An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a recording of the heart's electrical activity. An ECG is usually normal when a person has no pain, and it shows certain changes when pain develops. An ECG done during exercise will show similar changes even before angina develops.

A cardiac catheterization, or coronary angiogram, is a procedure that is used to look for narrowed coronary arteries. A contrast agent is injected into an artery and X-rays are then taken. This procedure can be used to find narrowed blood vessels supplying the heart. Experts disagree about who should undergo a cardiac catheterization. It may be useful for:

  • a person who has severe angina that affects his or her ability to lead a normal life
  • a young, vigorous person who has a large amount of healthy heart at risk if he or she has a heart attack
  • someone whose diagnosis is not clear

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    Stable Angina: Symptoms & Signs

     

    Stable Angina: Prevention & Expectations

    Author: William M. Boggs, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 07/05/01



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