The heart is the most vital organ in the human body, responsible for pumping blood to supply all parts of the body and maintain normal bodily functions. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, tightness, or difficulty breathing, it is crucial not to dismiss them as minor issues. These could be warning signs of angina, indicating the need for prompt cardiac examinations.

Types of Angina:

There are two types of angina: one is progressive, which can transition from stable, typical angina to unstable angina; the other is sudden-onset angina.

Progressive angina refers to angina that is typically triggered by physical activity. It occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed, leading to insufficient blood flow. Initially, episodes of angina may last only two to three minutes, but over time, the symptoms become more pronounced and the duration of the episodes lengthens.

Sudden-onset angina occurs without any warning signs. Some individuals may experience pain for a short duration and then have no further discomfort, while others may suddenly develop myocardial infarction, eventually leading to acute cardiac events. Therefore, if you have experienced unexplained chest pain that occurs more than once within a month and cannot be relieved even with rest, it is essential to undergo immediate cardiac evaluation.

What Cardiac Tests Should Be Done for Chest Pain?

If you experience chest pain, it is advisable to start with a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) test, which measures heart rate, changes in cardiac electrical activity, and overall heart condition. However, the accuracy of detecting coronary artery disease through this test is limited. Therefore, patients may undergo an exercise stress test in conjunction with the ECG. This test records heart rhythm and blood pressure changes during exercise or under load. It is more likely to reveal potential myocardial infarction during physical activity.

If a doctor suspects any cardiac abnormalities in a patient, they may recommend further detailed examinations such as echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, computed tomography (CT) scans, and other tests to identify any abnormalities in the heart or plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. These tests help in early detection and treatment. Additionally, blood tests can be conducted to analyze factors such as total blood cell count, cholesterol, lipid levels, and cardiac enzymes.

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