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Tests to Rule Out Coronary Artery Disease

From electrocardiograms to bicycles, physicians may order a variety of tests to rule out coronary artery disease and, if it indeed is present, ensure that this affliction does not lead to heart attack or stroke.

  1. Significance

    • Coronary arterial disease (CAD) is a blockage of arteries leading to the heart. "The narrowing is usually caused by plaque in a blood vessel," according to the American Heart Association. Referred to as atherosclerosis, this buildup of hardened plaque is brought on by accumulation of cholesterol and fat.

    Diagnosis

    • An electrocardiogram provides a look at the heart's electrical activity. "Certain abnormalities may indicate inadequate blood flow to your heart," says the Mayo Clinic. Echocardiograms utilize sound waves to produce heart images.

    Tests

    • A stress test, performed on a treadmill or exercise bike, is among the tests to rule out coronary artery disease. A nuclear stress test measures blood flow to the heart while blood scans, a coronary catheterization, CT scan or MRI are also used by physicians. Sometimes, medication will be used to simulate exercise.

    Risk Factors

    • The University of Virginia Health System indicates that high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a lack of exercise increase the risk of developing carotid artery stenosis.

    Research

    • A report at the American Heart Association's Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology annual conference in 2009 stated that urine screening held great promise as possible tool in the future for detection of coronary artery disease.

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