Final answer:
Chronic ischemic artery disease, or coronary artery disease (CAD), is diagnosed using various tests including an electrocardiogram, cardiac stress testing, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), and a coronary angiogram which can reveal blockages in coronary arteries as seen in X-ray images like Figure 19.16.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnostic measures for chronic ischemic artery disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), include several non-invasive and invasive tests. The goal of these tests is to assess the presence and severity of disease, determine the extent of blood flow obstruction, and to guide treatment strategies.
Key Diagnostic Measures:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can indicate ischemia or previous myocardial infarction.
- Cardiac Stress Testing: A stress test, often combined with imaging techniques like echocardiography or nuclear imaging, helps assess blood flow to the heart muscle during exercise or pharmacological stress.
- Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA): This non-invasive imaging test provides detailed pictures of the heart vessels and can identify the location and extent of plaque build-up.
- Coronary Angiogram: An invasive procedure using X-rays where a special dye is injected into the coronary arteries to make them visible and identify any blockages, as shown in Figure 19.16.
It is important to note that these diagnostic measures are often considered after an initial assessment of a patient's symptoms, clinical history, and risk factors for CAD, which include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and others. Treatment strategies may vary from lifestyle modifications to medications and interventions such as angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).