Can Angina be detected in an ECG?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with information regarding the detection of angina through an Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Angina is a symptom of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically due to the narrowing of the coronary arteries. An ECG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart and can be used to detect various heart conditions, including angina, under certain circumstances. During an angina attack, the ECG might show abnormal changes in the heart's electrical activity that reflect the stress the heart muscle is under due to decreased blood flow. However, ECGs are often normal between attacks. To capture these changes, doctors may perform a stress test, also known as an exercise tolerance test, where the ECG is recorded before, during, and after physical exertion to see if the heart shows signs of ischemia (inadequate blood supply) under stress. It's important to note that while an ECG can be helpful, it is not definitive for diagnosing angina. Other diagnostic tools and tests, such as imaging studies (echocardiogram, nuclear stress test), blood tests, and patient history, are often necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

There are several tests your doctor may order to help confirm whether you have angina: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). ... Your doctor can look for patterns among these heartbeats to see if the blood flow through your heart has been slowed or interrupted or if you're having a heart attack. Stress test.