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Pre-Test Probability of Coronary Artery Disease

Only physician evaluation and a variety of professional tests can firmly establish the presence of coronary artery disease. But certain risk groups and demographic factors shed some light on individuals more prone to the illness.

  1. Identification

    • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is brought on by an accumulation of fatty deposits clogging coronary arteries. "This thickening, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart," according to New York Presbyterian Hospital.

    Heredity

    • The pre-test probability of coronary artery disease is increased for certain ethnic groups. African-American, Hispanic American, Native American, and Native Hawaiian's face a higher risk as do individuals with a family history of heart or coronary artery disease.

    Risk Factors

    • Those who smoke, are overweight or obese, sedentary, consume excessive amounts of alcohol, indulge in high fat and high cholesterol diets, or have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol are more likely to be impacted by CAD.

    Symptoms

    • "Symptoms of coronary artery disease seldom appear until a coronary artery has narrowed by 70 percent or more," says Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. At this severe stage, symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and pain through the shoulders, neck, jaw or back are indications of CAD.

    Considerations

    • The American Heart Association reports that more than 83 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older, although the likelihood of CAD begins to increase in the mid-40s for men and mid-50s for women.

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