How to Diagnose Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common condition among middle-aged and elderly individuals. It can cause chest pain, impair normal work and daily life, and—when severe—even threaten life. Therefore, timely treatment is essential upon diagnosis of CHD. But how is CHD diagnosed?

How Is Coronary Heart Disease Diagnosed?

Currently, imaging examinations remain the most critical diagnostic tools for CHD. Among these, coronary angiography is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing CHD—that is, the most accurate method available today. When coronary angiography cannot be performed due to personal or objective constraints, coronary CT angiography (CTA) serves as an alternative. This non-invasive test is relatively safe, though its diagnostic accuracy is slightly lower than that of coronary angiography. Importantly, clinicians do not rely solely on imaging studies when diagnosing CHD; they also integrate findings from clinical symptoms, cardiovascular risk factors, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and myocardial radionuclide imaging.

For CHD treatment, patients must seek care at a reputable cardiology department. Do not rely on unverified folk remedies; instead, follow evidence-based pharmacotherapies recommended in the latest national clinical guidelines for managing this syndrome. Patients should avoid fatigue and cold exposure, as both may trigger CHD episodes. Moreover, do not underestimate modifiable risk factors—including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient sleep, and obesity resulting from poor dietary habits—as these significantly accelerate CHD development.

In daily life, maintain a regular, balanced diet—avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from binge eating, and eliminate late-night activities. We hope this information proves helpful to you.