Which non-invasive test is considered the best for diagnosing angina?

The exercise stress test is widely regarded as the best non-invasive test for diagnosing angina because it effectively evaluates the heart's response to physical stress. During the test, the patient is typically asked to walk on a treadmill or use a stationary bike. As the exercise intensity increases, the test monitors the heart's activity through an electrocardiogram (ECG). This helps identify any changes in heart rhythm, blood pressure, and other important parameters that may indicate insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, which is a key marker of angina.

The exercise component increases the oxygen demand of the heart, and if there are coronary artery blockages, the heart may not receive adequate blood supply, leading to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort. This test also allows for further evaluation of exercise tolerance, which can provide insight into the severity of the underlying coronary artery disease.

Other non-invasive tests, while valuable for specific situations, do not focus on the heart's performance under stress in the same way. For instance, the Holter monitor records heart rhythms over a period of time but does not test the heart under physical stress. An echocardiogram provides imaging of the heart structures and can assess heart function but may not directly measure the heart's response to exert