Diagnosing coronary artery disease involves a series of tests and other procedures. Apart from the medical as well as the family history of the patient, some physical examinations and some routine blood sample tests are also necessary for proper diagnosis. Some of the probable diagnostic tests to be suggested by the doctor might include:
} ECG or Electrocardiogram: This is probably the first diagnostic test that every heart patient or people with some symptoms of heart disease would be asked to go through. An electrocardiogram allows the recording of electrical signals while they are traveling through the heart. An electrocardiogram can as well reveal the evidence of any previous attack/s or can as well predict if an attack is in progress. In some cases, Holter monitor might as well be recommended. In case of this ECG the patient would have to wear a device, which is a potable monitor, for about 24 hours, while maintaining his/her normal course of activities.
} Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is carried out with the use of sound waves that produce certain images of the heart. During the process of echocardiogram, the doctor can easily determine if all the parts of the wall of your heart are contributing to the process of pumping in normal manner or not. Any abnormality or weakness of any part would be noted. If some parts are weak and do not move properly, it might indicate previous heart attack. Also this might as well be an indication of coronary artery disease or other such conditions.
} Coronary catheterization: To have a clear view of the flow of blood through the heart, the doctor injects medicated dye into arteries intravenously. This process is known as angiogram. This dye used is injected into the patient’s arteries through flexible tube, called catheter. This whole process is known as coronary catheterization. The dye would help in outlining narrow spots or blockages on X-ray images.
} Stress test: If the signs and symptoms of the disease affect the patient frequently during exercise or any such movement, the doctor might ask the patient to walk on the treadmill during the ECG. This is the process of exercise stress test. In some cases however, certain medications might as well be used instead of exercises. Stress test can also be done with the use of an echocardiogram. Also nuclear stress test is helpful in measuring the flow of blood to the heart muscles both at rest as well as during rest.
} CT scan: Computerized tomography or CT scan is an effective too for diagnosing heart disease. The technology involves the use of electron beam computerized tomography or EBCT or CT coronary angiogram that allows the doctor to have a clear view of the arteries. EBCT can also help in detecting the calcium deposits that can make the coronary arteries narrower.
} MRI or Magnetic resonance angiogram: This procedure involves the use of MRI technology, usually combined with injected contrast dye, to detect the rest of blockages. However, this method of detection might not reveal the details clearly.