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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Reliable Is An ECG As A Diagnostic Tool?

Hi how reliable is an ecg test? I had terrible left side chest pain on an off for 45 min last night and had niggly chest pain all day today. I was given an ecg an blood tests for clotting lipids crp. All were clear and I was prescribed antacids. This does not feel like indigestion. I have had similar chest pain recently that has woke me in the morning too.
Thu, 14 Jan 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
Based on your description, it appears that you have been investigated for chest pain, which could be caused due to cardiac problems.
If it was due to cardiac disease, ECG would have picked it up and so as blood parameters such as coagulation profile and CRP.
Since they are not indicative of cardiac disease, the next thing which mimics it by similar presentation is acute gastritis. Hence, you have been prescribed antacids.
In case, you still want to get a clear picture about cardiac status, you can go for 2D Echocardiogram and Colour Doppler studies, which would visualize your heart and blood supplying to it. If that appears to be normal, then it would clear your mind that it is not due to cardiac disease.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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How Reliable Is An ECG As A Diagnostic Tool?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Based on your description, it appears that you have been investigated for chest pain, which could be caused due to cardiac problems. If it was due to cardiac disease, ECG would have picked it up and so as blood parameters such as coagulation profile and CRP. Since they are not indicative of cardiac disease, the next thing which mimics it by similar presentation is acute gastritis. Hence, you have been prescribed antacids. In case, you still want to get a clear picture about cardiac status, you can go for 2D Echocardiogram and Colour Doppler studies, which would visualize your heart and blood supplying to it. If that appears to be normal, then it would clear your mind that it is not due to cardiac disease. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.