What tests are available to diagnose coronary artery blockage?

Several: If a cardiologist suspects coronary artery blockage the first step will be a very complete history. A nuclear stress test is a common diagnostic test and cardiac ct angiograms are becoming more common. The next step is usually a diagnostic cardiac catheterizaiton. Also since approximately 80% of coronary artery disease, cad, patients have peripheral vascular disease, pvd, that will need eval to.

Stress test: To test for obstructed coronary arteries we use various tests. An exercise stress test can indicate obstruction, if done with imaging either echo or nuclear it becomes more sensitive and specific. When we need to see the arteries we use angiography, either flouroscopic or computerized tomographic. The clinical state of the patient suggests which testing is appropriate.