ECCO Cardiovascular Disorders Practice Test

The preferred method for diagnosing coronary artery disease is cardiac catheterization with angiography. This technique involves threading a catheter through the blood vessels to the coronary arteries, allowing direct visualization of the arteries and any blockages or narrowing that may be present. This method is highly accurate in assessing the presence and severity of coronary artery disease, providing detailed images that can guide subsequent treatment decisions.

While other methods like echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac MRIs can offer valuable information about heart function and signal potential issues with coronary circulation, they do not provide the same level of detailed anatomical information as angiography. For instance, echocardiograms can assess heart function and structure but cannot directly visualize coronary artery blockages. Stress tests assess how the heart performs under physical stress, which can indicate ischemia but may not definitively diagnose blockages. Cardiac MRI is excellent for assessing myocardial characteristics and perfusion, but it may not be as widely available or as definitive in visualizing coronary artery disease compared to angiography. Therefore, cardiac catheterization with angiography stands out as the gold standard for a conclusive diagnosis.