Current diagnostic concepts to detect coronary artery disease in women

Abstract

The goal of non-invasive diagnostic testing is to detect coronary artery disease (CAD) timely and with optimal fidelity. In women, the accuracy of most functional diagnostic investigations is diminished compared with men. To minimize the sex-related bias in detection of CAD, there is a need for a non-invasive test strategy capable of risk-stratifying women, and of identifying subsets of patients in need of further invasive testing. The present review discusses the validity of classical diagnostic procedures for CAD in women, and addresses the relevance of newer techniques in the context of a female-specific diagnostic approach. © The Author 2008.