Ischemia Testing for Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Testing for myocardial ischemia is the single-most relevant one for diagnosis and appropriate management of coronary artery disease (CAD). The clinical challenge for a physician diagnosing and taking care of the patients is which tests should be necessary for whom. The diagnostic work-up of suspected CAD includes choosing the most appropriate modality for the individual patient to achieve a conclusive and clinical helpful diagnosis and to minimize use of personal and financial resources. In addition, myocardial ischemia testing has to be the most important tool for deciding whether or not to revascularize. Therefore, this review outlines the current clinical work-up including the appropriate selection of ischemia testing in the diagnosis of suspected obstructive CAD, as well as when making a decision of revascularization therapy.