Some Noninvasive Tests Found to Excel at Detecting Coronary Artery Disease in Women

Noninvasive tests that produce images of how well the heart is functioning, such as echocardiography and single proton emission computed tomography, can accurately diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) in women with symptoms, according to a new research review from AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program. These tests were more accurate than electrocardiography, which monitors heartbeats to detect restricted blood flow. The new research review, Noninvasive Technologies for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease in Women, found there is insufficient evidence from studies to determine which clinical or demographic factors may influence the diagnostic accuracy, risk determinations, prognostic value, treatment decisions, clinical outcomes, or harms associated with these tests.