E valuation of chest pain can be one of the most challenging scenarios faced by cardiologists. The differential diagnosis of chest pain includes myocardial ischemia and pericardial, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or psychologically related syndromes. Our current diagnostic pathway includes the clinical history in the context of the cardiovascular risk factors, noninvasive stress ...

Noninvasive cardiac imaging is a cornerstone of the diagnostic work-up in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and congenital heart disease. It is essential for the assessment of CAD from functional and anatomical perspectives, and is considered the gate-keeper to invasive coronary angiography. Cardiac tests include exercise electrocardiography, ...

any studies have examined the information content that an be garnered from noninvasive stress testing to inform atient management. For exercise electrocardiography ECG), optimal interpretation does not involve simply hether ST segment depression is present. Recent literature as examined factors such as post-exercise heart rate recovry (1) and the percent of heart rate reserve achieved (2) as ro...

The results of stress testing in patients being assessed for coronary artery disease have led to conflicting claims and conclusions. It seems reasonably clear that stress testing is of considerable predictive value in epidemiologic studies; i.e., patients manifesting or developing a positive exercise test have a much higher probability of subsequently experiencing coronary events (angina pector...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine if electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) has potential as a cost-effective approach to diagnosis of obstructive coronary disease. BACKGROUND Coronary calcification quantified by EBCT is closely related to the extent of atherosclerosis. METHODS A model based upon published sensitivities (Se)/specificities (Sp) for diagnosis in an ambul...

Advances in computer software, scanner hardware, and hemodynamic monitoring equipment have permitted the development of cardiovascular stress testing protocols for use during intravenous Dobutamine infusions within magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. Recent studies have documented that the safety profile and clinical utility of Dobutamine/Atropine cardiac stress testing during MRI compar...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of cardiac stress testing after coronary revascularization in community practice. BACKGROUND The American College of Cardiology Foundation appropriate use criteria provide guidance for the use of cardiac stress imaging after coronary revascularization. However, little is known regarding the use of routine cardiac stress testing...