Does electrocardiogram treat angina?

An ECG uses stickers on the chest and limbs to capture electrical signals from the heart. The tracing may show changes that support an assessment of reduced blood flow, a previous heart injury, or an abnormal rhythm. A normal tracing does not by itself exclude angina, especially when symptoms occur intermittently. Clinicians combine the result with your symptoms, examination, and other tests.

Describe where the discomfort is, what it feels like, what brings it on, how long it lasts, and what relieves it. Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not start or stop heart treatment without medical advice. Your clinician may discuss blood tests, imaging, exercise assessment, or other investigations. The ECG itself is quick and does not deliver a treatment or electrical shock.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, persistent, or occurs with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Do not drive yourself if a heart attack may be happening. Prompt assessment matters even if an earlier ECG was reassuring.

What does my ECG show? What other tests can clarify whether my symptoms are angina? Which treatment should I use if chest discomfort returns, and when should I seek emergency help?