What is the primary method used to diagnose Coronary Artery Disease?

Cardiac catheterization is the primary method used to diagnose Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) because it provides direct visualization of the coronary arteries and allows for assessment of the severity and extent of any blockages. During this procedure, a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and guided to the coronary arteries. This allows for imaging through angiography, where a contrast dye is injected, highlighting the arteries on X-ray images.

This direct imaging is crucial because it enables healthcare providers to evaluate how well blood flows through these arteries and identify any significant obstructions that may cause ischemia or other symptoms associated with CAD. While other diagnostic methods, such as electrocardiograms or echocardiograms, can provide valuable information about heart function and electrical activity, they do not offer the same level of detail regarding the structural integrity of the coronary arteries. Chest X-rays can help rule out other conditions but are not specific enough for CAD diagnosis. Hence, cardiac catheterization remains the gold standard in diagnosing and assessing CAD.