Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Angina Pectoris - Stable Angina
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Diagnosis & Tests
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: