Chest pain, dynamic ECG changes and coronary artery disease

R Bhardwaj1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.

Insights

Patients with chest pain and dynamic ECG changes showing typical angina have a high incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Atypical chest pain with dynamic ECG changes indicates a low likelihood of CAD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Chest pain is a frequent emergency presentation.
  • Dynamic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes can occur in patients with chest pain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients presenting with chest pain and dynamic ECG changes.

Main Methods:

  • Coronary angiography was performed on 72 patients with chest pain and dynamic ECG changes.
  • Patients were categorized based on chest pain characteristics (typical/unstable angina vs. atypical).

Main Results:

  • Of 39 patients with typical/unstable angina, 36 (92.3%) had CAD; mean age was 57.28 years.
  • Of 33 patients with atypical chest pain, only 2 (6%) had CAD; mean age was 45.15 years.
  • Younger patients and females with dynamic ECG changes were less likely to have CAD.

Conclusions:

  • Typical angina with dynamic ECG changes strongly suggests CAD.
  • Atypical chest pain with dynamic ECG changes has a low probability of CAD.
  • Dynamic ECG changes in younger patients or females may occur without underlying CAD.
Abstract

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