Cardiac diagnostic methods in coronary artery disease: electrocardiogram, 2-step exercise test and ballistocardiogram.

The clinical importance and necessity of dependable cardiac diagnostic and function tests are emphasized by the outstanding fact that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the country today. However, the time honored methods of complete history, adequate physical examination, chest fluoroscopy and roentgenogram will never be replaced in value by the other available tests of heart function. The latter serve as corroborative laboratory aids for diagnosis and prognosis and in this regard, they play a vital role in the final clinical impression of the cardiac status.