D-Dimer in Unstable Angina Logic

This episode explores whether D-dimer has a role in evaluating unstable angina, reviewing studies that found elevated levels in many patients with unstable angina despite negative troponins, while also highlighting conflicting evidence about its diagnostic value. Dr. Pregerson discusses the many causes of positive and false-positive D-dimer results and explains why overreliance on the test can lead to unnecessary imaging and diagnostic uncertainty.