How Is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects that you have coronary artery disease or if you have symptoms of the disease, several tests are used to make a diagnosis. Initial tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) while you are resting, and again while you are walking or running on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. If this test indicates that your heart is not getting the oxygen it needs, cardiac catheterization, also called an "angiogram," may be performed. By using a catheter (small, hollow tube) to inject x-ray dye (contrast) into the coronary arteries, x-ray movies of the coronary arteries can be obtained. These x-ray movies allow the doctor to see any narrowing in your coronary arteries and determine their severity.
Using the information gathered from one or more of these tests, your doctor is better able to decide the best treatment plan for you. He or she will explain the risks and benefits of your treatment options and answer any questions you or your family may have.
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