Coronary Angiography

Recommended For Coronary Angiography

A coronary angiography technique is suggested for the accompanying sets of patients:

● Patients with abnormal stress test results 
● Patients with symptoms related to coronary artery disease 
● Patients experiencingpain in the neck, arm, chest or jaw 
● Congenital heart disease 
● Heart failure 
● Chest injury 
● Cardiac arrhythmia 
● Coronary vasospasm 

The technique may likewise be executed on patients who have a high risk of developing cardiac difficulties from different kinds of operation.

Not Recommended For Coronary Angiography

The coronary angiography is not advised for the accompanying:

● Acute renal failure 
● Chronic renal failure and diabetes 
● Gastrointestinal bleeding 
● Fever, as it can be a sign of infection 
● Active infection within the body 
● Local infection at the incision site 
● Severe anemia 
● Acute stroke 
● Severe hypertension

Duration Of Operation

30 to 60 minutes

Overview

A coronary angiography, otherwise called, a coronary angiogram is a medical procedure utilized to observe within blood vessels and organs in the body.

The technique is generally carried out so as to appropriately diagnose illnesses in regards to arteries, veins, or the chambers of the heart. This technique is from a set of techniques noted as cardiac catheterization. Coronary angiography is among the most popular kinds of cardiac catheterization techniques.

A coronary angiography technique utilizes a particular kind of dye and an X-ray machine to identify heart conditions appropriately. The dye is radio-opaque, implying that it will be entirely noticeable in the X-ray. This provides specialists an opportunity to examine the veins and arteries of the patient. Numerous X-rays are taken throughout a coronary angiography technique – these x-rays are called angiograms. 

Sometimes, specialists may carry out an angioplasty so as to broaden blocked up veins or arteries. A stent may also be placed in particular cases. Because of these causes, coronary angiography is viewed as both a diagnosis technique and a treatment one.

Preparation

The coronary angiography is generally carried out once other non-invasive tests, such as a stress test, echocardiogram or electrocardiogram have been done.

Eating or drinking anything at least 10 hours prior to the coronary angiography is restricted.Some medicinesmay be prescribed for the patient throughoutthis time.

How It Is Performed

Patients will be asked to lie on an X-ray table before being given a sedative and a local anesthetic. A catheter should be placed into the patient’s blood vessels. Specialists can utilize the groin area or the arm for this aim. The incision placeis shaved, washed, and disinfected. Next, the catheter is introduced into the blood vessel, and it is cautiously oriented to the coronary arteries or the heart. A radio-opaque dye is entered over the catheter. The specialists now can find out any anomalies in the heart or coronary arteries of the patient. If some arteries are excessively narrow, angioplasty might be carried out, or a stent might be put. The procedure lasts about an hour. When the coronary angiography is done, the specialist closes the incision and applies a small bandage.

Recovery

Patients are asked to lie flat in their beds for about 8 hours after the procedure. They may not move their arms or legs, relying on the place where the catheter was presented. Light pressure might be put on the incision place so as to restrain any bleeding.

Patients should stay away from heavy physical activities for a couple of days after the coronary angiography. They may come back to their normal activities and work, relying upon their test outcomes.

Risks

Possible risks and complications of coronary angiography can consist of:

● Stroke 
● Heart attack 
● Damage to arteries 
● Infection 
● Excessive bleeding

Side Effects

Coronary angiography accompanying side effects might be:

● Slight bruising nearthe incision place
● Mild pain and discomfort 
● Slight swelling

Success Rates

According to a survey from 7.412 patients who underwent coronary angiography procedures between 1990 and 2000, the complication rate found at 0.8%, and the overall mortality rate for this procedure was 0%.

Before And After

A coronary angiography enables the specialist to collect beneficial data about the patient’s blood vessels. Once the procedure is carried out, specialists can arrange a detailed treatment plan.

Faq

– Does the dye have any negative effects?  No, the dye can give patients a warm feeling when it's injected, but it's harmless. 

– When can I return to work? 
You will be informed by your doctor, based on your coronary angiography results. 

– When can I resume exercise? 
It’s best to resume physical exercise after the incision has fully healed.

Extra Content

This content is written and reviewed by our medical content team in August, 2019.