What is a primary purpose of diagnostic coronary angiography?

What is a primary purpose of diagnostic coronary angiography?

• A. Evaluate suspected coronary artery disease
• B. Treat arrhythmias
• C. Measure glomerular filtration rate
• D. Assess hepatic function

Answer: (A)

Diagnostic coronary angiography is done to directly visualize the coronary arteries and determine whether there are blockages causing chest pain or ischemia. By injecting contrast dye and using X-ray imaging, it shows the presence, location, and severity of any narrowing, which is essential for confirming coronary artery disease and deciding on the most appropriate treatment approach, such as revascularization. While the test can be followed by an intervention in the same session, its main purpose is diagnosis—to evaluate suspected CAD. The other options aim at different organ systems or conditions (arrhythmia treatment, kidney function, liver function) and are not determined by this coronary vessel imaging.

Diagnostic coronary angiography is done to directly visualize the coronary arteries and determine whether there are blockages causing chest pain or ischemia. By injecting contrast dye and using X-ray imaging, it shows the presence, location, and severity of any narrowing, which is essential for confirming coronary artery disease and deciding on the most appropriate treatment approach, such as revascularization. While the test can be followed by an intervention in the same session, its main purpose is diagnosis—to evaluate suspected CAD. The other options aim at different organ systems or conditions (arrhythmia treatment, kidney function, liver function) and are not determined by this coronary vessel imaging.