What test is most commonly used to diagnose coronary artery disease?

Coronary angiography is recognized as the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). This invasive procedure allows for direct visualization of the coronary arteries by using contrast dye and X-ray imaging. During the test, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the coronary arteries; the contrast dye is then injected, highlighting blockages or narrowing within these vessels.

The visualization provided by coronary angiography enables clinicians to assess the severity and location of any arterial blockages, which is crucial for developing a treatment plan. While other diagnostic modalities, such as electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and cardiac MRIs, offer valuable information about heart function and can suggest the presence of CAD, they do not provide the same level of specificity for viewing coronary artery anatomy and pathology. Thus, coronary angiography is preferred for its direct approach to diagnosing CAD and guiding subsequent intervention if necessary.