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A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Exertional headache and coronary ischemia despite normal electrocardiographic stress testing

F Michael Cutrer, Karina Huerter

    Headache
    |January 18, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    Exertional headaches can signal coronary ischemia, even with normal stress tests. This case highlights that headaches may be the only symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD).

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Neurology

    Background:

    • Exertional headaches are sometimes linked to coronary ischemia.
    • Coronary artery disease (CAD) can present with varied symptoms.

    Observation:

    • A patient presented with exertional headaches as the sole symptom.
    • Electrocardiographic stress tests were normal, and chest pain was absent.

    Findings:

    • Technetium-99m Sestamibi SPECT stress testing identified coronary ischemia.
    • The patient's exertional headaches resolved completely after stent placement.

    Implications:

    • Exertional headache without chest pain may indicate symptomatic CAD.
    • Consider advanced cardiac testing when exertional headaches persist despite normal ECG stress tests.

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