Talking to patients still the best test for angina, says BHF

"In response to a study in the British Medical Journal Doctor Mike Knapton, Director of Prevention and Care at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'In the UK around 2 million people over the age of 35 suffer from angina and early diagnosis is important. This study confirms that the best way to diagnose a patient is to talk through their symptoms and medical history with their Doctor.' 'Tests such as resting or exercise ECGs can be helpful when patients present with unusual symptoms or suffer from chest pain following a heart bypass. But exercise ECG is not very good at assessing future risk, as nearly 50% of angina patients who went on to have a heart attack or die initially had a normal exercise ECG. Better risk assessment of patients with angina is needed to help identify those most at risk of heart attack or death. Any results for ECGs should be in addition to consultation with your Doctor to properly monitor your condition.'" - BHF