Heart catheterization or coronary angiography

This test is the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. A cardiologist inserts and then threads a small tube through the groin or arm into the coronary arteries, where dye is injected to directly visualize the arteries on an x-ray. This test defines the anatomy of the coronary arteries.

CT coronary angiogram is a fairly new test to diagnose coronary artery disease. During this procedure, intravenous dye containing iodine is injected into the patient and CT scanning is performed to image the coronary arteries.


What is the treatment for heart disease?

Coronary artery disease is usually treated in a multi-step approach depending upon a patient's symptoms. The patient and healthcare provider need to work together to return the patient to a normal lifestyle.


Prevention of heart disease

The key to the treatment is prevention. A healthy lifestyle is the key, including exercise, proper nutrition, and smoking cessation.

An aspirin a day is recommended to decrease the risk for heart disease and should be started with the recommendation of a healthcare provider.

A little alcohol (one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men) decreases the risk of heart disease compared to nondrinkers. However, it is not recommended that nondrinkers begin drinking.


Modifying risk factors for heart disease

While patients cannot choose their family and alter their genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease, the rest of the risk factors are under control of the patient. Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and other lipid levels, and diabetes under control needs to become a life-long goal. Smoking cessation is highly encouraged.