4. Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The evaluation of a patient with known or suspected cardiovascular disease begins with their medical history and a targeted physical examination as well as basic ancillary studies that are sufficient for the physician to understand the aetiology of any chest pain. A history and symptoms of angina are important in order to determine which tools should be used for diagnosis and treatment. This chapter describes the major signs and symptoms associated with cardiac disease. The probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) by age, gender and symptoms are described along with the different types of angina. Invasive and noninvasive techniques that successfully diagnose cardiac disease are also discussed briefly in this chapter. It also includes a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chest pain according to various clinical guidelines. It also lists the established and novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of chronic coronary arterial disease.