Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Volume 8, Issue 6, November–December 2014, Pages 480–482
Ricardo C. Cury, MD, FSCCT, FAHA, FACC
A common practice in cardiology and medicine is to identify which patients who are presenting with stable chest pain symptoms actually have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). A detailed clinical history and physical examination are critical to determine the patient's pretest probability of CAD. Noninvasive diagnostic testing is commonly used, particularly in intermediate-risk patients, to determine which patients have abnormal findings for subsequent referral for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The overall goal is to identify patients with obstructive CAD and/or myocardial ischemia who will benefit from coronary revascularization that may lead to improving clinical outcomes.