How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is diagnosed through cardiac catheterization, a procedure performed by a cardiologist. This method involves threading a catheter through the blood vessels to the coronary arteries. During this procedure, the doctor can evaluate the coronary arteries for blockages or narrowings, often using contrast dye which allows for clear imaging on X-ray or fluoroscopy. This direct visualization helps determine the severity of any underlying heart disease and guides potential treatment options, such as angioplasty or the placement of stents.

Other diagnostic methods have different purposes in the context of heart health but do not specifically diagnose CAD. For instance, urinalysis is used to assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections, while checking blood glucose is relevant for monitoring diabetes rather than coronary arteries. Assessment of vital signs is important for overall health evaluation and can indicate heart issues, but it does not directly diagnose CAD. Therefore, cardiac catheterization is the most definitive method among the options provided for diagnosing coronary artery disease.