What diagnostic procedure is primarily used to evaluate coronary artery disease?

Cardiac catheterization is the primary diagnostic procedure used to evaluate coronary artery disease, as it allows for direct visualization of the coronary arteries. During this procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. A contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries. This method not only provides precise information about the anatomy of the arteries but also allows for potential therapeutic interventions, such as angioplasty or stent placement, to be performed during the same procedure if necessary.

Other diagnostic methods like electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, and stress tests are helpful in assessing heart function and identifying potential issues related to coronary artery disease but do not provide the same level of detailed visualization and functional assessment of the coronary arteries as cardiac catheterization does. For instance, an electrocardiogram records electrical activity of the heart and can show abnormalities suggesting heart problems, while a stress test evaluates how the heart performs under physical stress but relies on indirect measures. A chest X-ray primarily helps in visualizing the overall structure of the heart and lungs rather than focusing specifically on the coronary arteries. Thus, while these alternative tests are valuable in the diagnostic process, cardiac catheter