Diagnostic technology in cardiovascular disease: review of noninvasive methods for population studies

To aid the selection of appropriate diagnostic technologies, the literature on noninvasive methods for population studies of cardiovascular diseases was reviewed. Indications, limitations and cost-effectiveness are discussed. Most widely applicable are the standardized medical history, blood pressure and other measurements, resting electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and selected tests of blood and urine. Useful in specialized studies are exercise testing, ambulatory monitoring, and peripheral arterial flow measurements. Ultrasound is valuable in the study of hypertensive and other myocardial diseases. Further methodological research is needed.