Protocol for optimizing the utilization rates of coronary angiography in Norway
Invasive coronary angiography (CAG) remains widely used in Norway, with 37% of procedures in 2022 yielding normal findings, indicating potential overuse. A national multidisciplinary task force performed a retrospective registry-based analysis and reviewed the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines to identify strategies aimed at reducing the utilization of CAG in patients with suspected coronary disease. Significant regional variation in CAG and Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) utilization was observed. Complication rates for CAG in stable patients were low, 0.6%. In patients with low and moderate pre-test probability and suspected Chronic Coronary Syndrome (CCS), CCTA is recommended as a first-line imaging test. Standardization of CCTA protocols and reports, using CAD-RADS 2.0, mandatory CCTA registration in Norwegian Registry of Invasive Cardiology (NORIC), and formal collaboration between radiologists and cardiologists are essential initiatives. The aim is to reduce invasive procedures not resulting in revascularization by 5–10 percentage points nationally.