Searching for the optimal strategy for the diagnosis of stable coronary artery disease. Cost-effectiveness of the new algorithm (original) (raw)

Coronary arteriography is still widely accepted as a gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), despite emerging methods such as multi-slice computed tomography. None of the presently available non-invasive diagnostic tests is perfect. The aim of the article was to make a comparison of the value and limitations of history, resting electrocardiography, exercise electrocardiography and dobutamine stress echocardiography in the diagnosis of CAD, and to create a simple algorithm for non-invasive diagnosis of CAD to optimize indications for coronarography. Prospective, multicentre trial. The collection of clinical data, resting electrocardiography, exercise treadmill electrocardiography, dobutamine stress echocardiography and catheterization data was performed on 600 patients with chest pain regarded as angina pectoris and no previous history of myocardial infarction. CAD was defined as >/= 50% narrowing of at least one major vessel. Final results were obtained ...