What are the ways to diagnose coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common condition that occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, heart attacks, and other serious health problems. Fortunately, there are several ways to diagnose CAD, allowing for early intervention and treatment. In this blog, Dr. Ramji Mehrotra, who is one of the best cardiac surgeons in India, discusses some of the most common methods used to diagnose CAD.

1.   Medical History and Physical Examination: A doctor will start the diagnostic process by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination. They will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, family history, and any other relevant factors. They will also listen to your heart and lungs, check your blood pressure, and may perform other tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG).

2.   Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It involves attaching electrodes to the chest, arms, and legs, which record the heart's electrical signals. An ECG can detect abnormal heart rhythms and other signs of heart disease, but it may not always detect CAD. However, it is often used as an initial screening test for patients with suspected CAD.

3.   Stress Tests: Stress tests are another common diagnostic tool for CAD. They are designed to measure how well your heart functions during physical activity. During a stress test, you will typically walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. If you are unable to exercise, medications may be used to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart. The results of a stress test can help determine if there are any blockages in the coronary arteries.

4.   Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart. It can help identify structural abnormalities, such as heart valve problems, as well as the presence of CAD. During an echocardiogram, a technician will place a small device called a transducer on your chest. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the heart, creating images that can be viewed on a screen.

5.   Coronary Angiography: Coronary angiography is a more invasive test that involves injecting a dye into the coronary arteries to make them visible on an X-ray. It is typically reserved for patients with a high risk of CAD, or for those who have already experienced a heart attack or other serious cardiac event. During a coronary angiography, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm and guided to the heart. The dye is then injected through the catheter, and X-rays are taken to create images of the coronary arteries.

In conclusion, there are several methods used to diagnose coronary artery disease, ranging from non-invasive tests like medical history and physical examination, ECG, and echocardiogram, to more invasive procedures such as coronary angiography. According to Dr Ramji Mehrotra, if you are experiencing symptoms of CAD or have other risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease, it is important to seek medical attention and undergo appropriate diagnostic testing to receive prompt and effective treatment.

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Created on Apr 6th 2023 23:40. Viewed 107 times.

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