Diagnosis for Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary heart disease (CAD) occurs when you develop fatty deposits known as plaque within your arteries. The plaque eventually narrows your arteries, which will cause your heart to have less blood pumped to your heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can then develop severe complications due to blockages, which can lead to a heart attack. Coronary artery disease can be a silent killer. It is important that if you have risk factors for the disease, like high blood pressure, to receive testing. Multiple tests may be required to firmly diagnose coronary heart disease.

ECG

• An ECG, or electrocardiogram, measures signals that travel throughout your heart. In most instances, and ECG can determine when you've suffered from a heart attack, or if you're in the middle of suffering from a heart attack. One type of ECG, known as a Holter monitoring system, is used on a 24-hour basis. The Holter system is a portable device with small electrodes that are placed upon your chest. According to the Mayo Clinic, the device can detect any abnormalities in your heart, such as an inadequate flow of blood.

Stress Test

• A stress test requires you to maintain a physical activity, usually walking, while being monitored. If you suffer from CAD, a stress test can determine any abnormal changes in your heart rate or blood pressure if you're experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, or if you're heart's rhythm is changing. Not being able to exercise for the amount of time required for your test may be an indicator that blood isn't flowing effectively through your heart.

Echocardiography

• An echocardiography uses sound waves to formulate a moving image of your heart. The size and shape of your heart can be determined with an echocardiography. An echocardiography can also show the chambers of your heart, how the chambers are moving and how your heart valves are operating. According to the National Heart and Lung Institute, echocardiography can also depict if your heart muscle isn't contracting the way it should, if you've sustained an injury to your heart muscle as a result of poor blood circulation or if your heart has poor blood flow.

Coronary Catheterization

• Coronary catheterization requires a dye to be injected into your arteries. A catheter is used to inject the dye into your heart via an artery, such as in your thigh. The dye specifically outlines problematic areas, such as narrowed spots or blockages. If a blockage is identified, your physician will perform a stent procedure to open up the blocked artery. A small balloon is pushed through the catheter and inflated to improve your blood circulation. A stent is then placed into the area of the blocked artery to keep the artery open.

Other Procedures

• A CT scan may be conducted to detect any deposits within your arteries, such as fatty or calcium deposits. In some instances, a contrast dye may be injected to provide a higher-quality image of your heart during the CT scan. An MRA, or magnetic resonance angiogram, is much like an MRI. Radio waves and a magnetic field are used to produce an image of your heart in order to detect any abnormalities. An injectable dye may also be used for an MRA procedure.