SAQ 267 – Cardiology – investigation options for possible acute coronary syndrome

Review Completed

Marked out of 12.00

A patient with possible acute coronary syndrome requires further investigation after initial emergency department assessment.

For each investigation shown, state two (2) advantages and one (1) disadvantage.

(Marked out of 12.0)

Investigation	Two advantages	One disadvantage
Exercise stress test
Nuclear medicine stress test
Stress echocardiography
CT coronary angiography

/ 12

Total Score: 0 / 12

Percentage: 0%

Investigation	Advantages	Disadvantage
Exercise stress test	No contrast or radiation; useful when combined with a low-risk assessment and negative troponins.	Requires exercise and has limited standalone sensitivity and specificity; contraindications may apply.
Nuclear medicine stress test	Does not require exercise; provides functional perfusion information and has a high negative predictive value.	Limited availability, isotope exposure, and artefact may affect interpretation.
Stress echocardiography	Assesses ventricular function, valves, and LVH; higher sensitivity and specificity than exercise testing and may not require exercise.	Operator expertise and body habitus may limit the study.
CT coronary angiography	Non-invasive with high sensitivity and specificity; may identify alternative diagnoses and reduce length of stay.	Radiation and contrast exposure; image quality may be poor with AF, high heart rate, or inability to breath-hold.