Noninvasive Cardiac Diagnostic Tests

Course overview

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is attributed to 2 in 10 deaths in people under the age of 65, with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the leading cause of death in the U.S. It is estimated that 2.2 million people may die from CVD worldwide by 2030. While coronary angiography is still considered the gold standard for coronary artery visualization, there are several noninvasive techniques that may also be used. These tests are important in the diagnosis and prognosis of CVD. This includes identifying arrythmias, assessing cardiac structure and function, or identifying the need for more invasive procedures. Knowledge of these tests may be used to help facilitate timely testing and patients understanding of such tests to ease their anxiety.