Final answer:
The gold standard to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) is the coronary angiogram, a diagnostic test that displays any blockages in the coronary arteries using a dye visible on X-ray. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can detect some abnormalities, but echocardiography or nuclear imaging may be needed for a more detailed assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gold standard to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) is the coronary angiogram. This diagnostic test involves the introduction of a dye into the coronary arteries, which can then be visualized with X-ray technology. The angiogram can effectively display any blockages or occlusions and is especially useful in evaluating the state of coronary arteries in patients with an intermediate pretest probability of CHD. While an electrocardiogram (ECG) can also be used to detect abnormalities that may suggest myocardial infarction (MI), it may not reveal all areas affected by ischemia or assess the heart's pumping effectiveness. For this, echocardiography or nuclear medicine imaging can enhance sensitivity and specificity. Other diagnostic tools can include cardiac stress testing and coronary computed tomographic angiography.