Which of the following is a non-invasive testing option for ischemic heart disease?

The exercise stress test is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure utilized to evaluate the presence of ischemic heart disease. In this test, the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike while heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG (electrocardiogram) readings are monitored. This allows for the assessment of how well the heart functions during physical stress, highlighting any potential ischemic changes that occur under exertion.

The significant advantage of the exercise stress test lies in its ability to provide valuable insights into the heart's functional capacity and to identify exercise-induced ischemia. If abnormalities are detected during the test, further investigation may be warranted.

In contrast, cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography are invasive procedures involving the insertion of catheters into the cardiovascular system to directly visualize the coronary arteries and assess blood flow. Echocardiography at rest, while non-invasive, typically assesses cardiac function rather than being specifically designed to evaluate ischemic heart disease through stress-related responses. Thus, the exercise stress test clearly stands out as a primary non-invasive option for the assessment of ischemic heart disease.