An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a useful tool for diagnosing angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. An ECG is able to detect changes in the electrical activity of the heart, which can indicate the presence of angina. These changes can include an elevation in the ST segment of the ECG, an abnormal Q wave, or evidence of ischemia.
The ST segment is the part of the ECG tracing that monitors the heart’s electrical activity during the period between the end of the QRS complex and the beginning of the T wave, and is a good indicator of ischemia. An elevated ST segment on the ECG is an indication of angina, as it suggests that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygenated blood.
An abnormal Q wave can also be detected on the ECG. A Q wave is a negative deflection that follows the QRS complex, and if it is abnormally wide or deep, it may indicate the presence of angina.
Finally, an ECG can detect ischemia, which is a decrease in the amount of oxygenated blood being supplied to the heart. Ischemia can manifest itself as an arrhythmia or an ST segment depression. Both of these can be detected on the ECG, which can help to diagnose angina.
In summary, an ECG is a useful tool for diagnosing angina pectoris, and can detect changes in the electrical activity of the heart that indicate the presence of angina. These changes can include an elevation in the ST segment, an abnormal Q wave, or evidence of ischemia.