The role of cervical lordosis angle in the differential diagnosis of chest pain after Exercise electrocardiography test

Objectives: The exercise electrocardiography test (EET) is extensively utilized for diagnosing stable angina pectoris (SAP). Nonetheless, differential diagnosis may prove difficult in instances of chest discomfort absent ischemic indicators. The loss of cervical lordosis (LCL) and several cervical diseases may be implicated in non-cardiac chest discomfort. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 216 patients who experienced chest pain during EET without ischemic ECG changes and underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and cervical spine radiography (CSR). Among them, 18 patients with significant cervical pathologies apart from LCL were excluded from angle measurements. Cervical lordosis angle (CLA) was measured only in patients without additional cervical pathology. Results: CLA was significantly lower in the CAD (–) group compared to the CAD (+) group (13.97° ± 8.82 vs. 29.20° ± 7.58; p