Coronary artery disease diagnosis
To diagnose coronary heart disease, your doctor needs to review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and other medical evaluation. Diagnosis of coronary heart disease includes the following tests:
- Stress test: This test evaluated the stress on your heart anytime you engage in a physical activity and while at rest. The test checks your heart’s electrical activity when you’re walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. You may also have to undergo nuclear imaging or echocardiographic imaging for a part of the test. Your doctor may recommend drugs to be used for stress testing if you’re unable to perform physical activities.
- Electrocardiogram: This test observes the electrical signals that occur in your heart. This test helps your healthcare provider determine if you have ever had a heart attack [6].
- Echocardiogram: This is an imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to take a picture of your heart. The primary objective of this test is to tell your healthcare provider if your heart is working properly.
- Heart CT scan: This is an imaging test recommended by doctors to confirm the presence of calcium deposits in your arteries.
- Cardiac catheterization (left heart catheterization): This procedure involves injecting a special dye into your coronary artery through a catheter inserted via an artery in your wrist or groin. The dye is used to improve the radiographic image of your coronary artery to identify any blockage.