Research article summary (published 21 Sep 2009):

[Diagnosis of coronary artery disease--part 1: general approach]

(Diagnostik der koronaren Herzkrankheit - Teil 1: Generelles Testprinzip.)

Full Abstract

Tests for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) rely on two main diagnostic principles, that is direct visualisation of coronary anatomy or detection of stress-induced myocardial ischaemia. Whether a given test is useful for the patient's management critically depends on the clinical context, that is pre-test probability for significant CAD. Not every test is suitable for every patient. Non-invasive tests have the highest diagnostic yield in patients with chest pain and intermediate pre-test probability. In these patients, tests typically confirm the presence of CAD or make it highly unlikely. In patients with low or high pre-test probability, non-invasive tests provide hardly any added diagnostic information. However, in patients with high pre-test probability of CAD, non-invasive tests are helpful for risk stratification. In asymptomatic patients, there is no established indication for any tests apart from calculation of a global cardiovascular risk based on traditional risk factors and initiation of primary preventive measures if appropriate.

Author information

Author/s: Maeder, M T (MT); Zellweger, M J (MJ);

Affiliation: Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Heart Center, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australien. micha.maeder(-atsign-)bluewin.ch

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Praxis (Praxis (Bern 1994)), published in Switzerland. (Language: ger)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 98 (issue 19) : pp 1059-66

Dates: Created 2009/09/23; Completed 2009/10/27; Revised 2009/11/09;

PMID: 19774513, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/10/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Angina Pectoris - diagnosis Coronary Angiography Coronary Disease - diagnosis Coronary Stenosis - diagnosis Echocardiography

Electrocardiography Exercise Test Female Humans Male Middle Aged Myocardial Ischemia - diagnosis; physiopathology Ventricular Dysfunction, Left - diagnosis

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