Diagnosis

Because coronary artery disease can be a gradual progression, many people who are at risk may have the illness without showing any of the obvious symptoms above.

Doctors may have to use any combination of the following tests to determine whether someone has coronary artery disease:

Electrocardiogram (EKG)
For this quick and painless test, electrodes are attached to the skin on the chest. The results give a snapshot of the heart's electrical activity, showing whether it's beating regularly. Some heart irregularities can lead to the creation of blood clots.

Stress test
For this, the heart is monitored with electrodes while a person exercises, typically by walking on a treadmill, to show how quickly the heart handles, and recovers from, intense exercise.

Echocardiogram
Like an ultrasound, this uses sound waves to produce a video of the pumping heart.

Angiogram
For this test, a catheter is inserted into an artery and X-ray dye inserted. X-rays are then taken to show whether there is abnormal blood flow in the artery.

CT scan
X-rays produce a 3-D image of the heart and blood vessels, showing whether there is any narrowing. Patients lie in a tunnel-like machine. One possible side-effect: the contrast dye injected into the patient could produce an allergic reaction that can be treated with medication.

Catheter angiography
A catheter is threaded through an artery, contrast dye is injected and X-rays are then taken. This test can detect blockage or buildup in an artery. This test requires a sedative, and the patient may feel groggy the next day.

CT angiography
Here, the contrast material is injected into a peripheral vein and a series of X-rays are taken to show blood flow in the vessels. A computer assembles the X-rays into a 3-D image. This is much less invasive than catheter angiography because it doesn't involve a catheter.

MRI scan
This test uses magnetic fields to briefly alter water molecules in the body. It results in a more detailed 3-D image of damage to blood vessels. Painless, it can take up to 90 minutes with no side-effects.

MRA
Contrast dye is injected into blood vessels and magnetic resonance techniques are used to show blood flow.

Treatments

The following medications may be prescribed to prevent or reduce possibility of developing coronary artery disease:

ASA (acetylsalicylic acid)
ASA, such as Aspirin, is considered an "anti-platelet" drug, preventing blood clots from forming by discouraging platelets from clumping together. It can cause stomach bleeding.

Beta blockers
These reduce the effect of adrenaline on the cardiovascular system. By blocking responses from the beta nerve receptors, they slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure. May cause dizziness, tiredness, weight gain, diarrhea, shortness of breath.

Calcium channel blockers
These keep calcium from entering muscle cells, which keeps blood vessels open. It decreases blood pressure, improves blood circulation and eases the heart’s workload. They can cause drowsiness, increased appetite, irregular heartbeat, breathing problems, low blood pressure or constipation.

Nitrates
These open up the arteries, lower blood pressure, and increase the supply of oxygenated blood. They may cause flushed face or headaches.

ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors allow our blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure. They may cause a cough, dizziness, salty or metallic taste in mouth, swelling in face, or high potassium levels.

Diuretics
These help the body get rid of excess salt and water, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. They can cause frequent urination, muscle cramps, dehydration, dizziness, tiredness or blurred vision.