Trop I test

Angina is chest pain that occurs due to the reduction of blood flow in the heart muscles. It can be triggered by stress or physical exertion. Although it is not a life-threatening disease, it is a warning that a person can be at risk of heart stroke or attack. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, an individual can reduce the risk of this medical condition. Angina is characterised by a feeling of tightness, dullness or heaviness which may spread to the arms, neck, jaw or back.

Risk Factors

Other than ageing, diseases like coronary artery disease are one of the many risk factors for angina. Other risk factors include:

• Reduced flow of blood to the heart.

• Other problems with the coronary arteries can prevent a person’s heart from receiving enough blood.

• Anaemia (low count of red blood cells)

• Chronic stress

• Diabetes

• A diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, sodium or refined carbohydrates.

• Excessive consumption of alcohol.

• Exposure to air pollution (like dust from roads, farms or construction sites).

• Family history of early heart disease

• Heart failure

Diagnosis

If a person is experiencing breathlessness, nausea, indigestion, chest pain etc., it is recommended to get the following tests done:

1. trop I test may be recommended and repeated 2 or more times to check the change in levels of troponin over some time. Other blood tests may also be recommended to check the cholesterol levels of a person.

1. An ECG test or electrocardiogram can be prescribed so that the doctor can check the rhythm of the heart and its electrical activity.

1. Coronary angiography may also be used to diagnose angina. It is a scan that is taken after injecting a dye which highlights a person’s heart and blood vessels.

1. Exercise ECG can be carried out while a person is walking on a treadmill or an exercise bike.

Angina can be prevented by improving dietary and lifestyle habits. People with a family history of this condition should get themselves tested at least once a year.