Coronary angiogram is a complex yet arty
procedure where the cardiologist dexterously inserts a narrow tube called
catheter through the femoral/ radial artery with plastic introducer sheath. The
catheter is guided through the artery into the heart and then dye is injected
into the artery. The dye flows through the artery to the heart and stops or
goes slow at the clogs in the heart arteries. The percentage of block is
asserted by the cardiologists. This whole process is monitored through a highly
defined x-ray machine managed by specialized technicians. As much as it sounds
easy, coronary angiogram has immense risks attached if not performed by specialized
team.
This article will give you insight into the urgency of the procedure or if at all you require it or if you will benefit from it or not
How important or necessary is this test for diagnosis?
Angiography is an important procedure that confirms the ailment. It's just an invasive diagnostic that help the doctors decide on the treatment thereafter. The urgency and the immediate need of the procedure can only be decided by the consultants, who will be knowing the degree and the importance of the procedure.
When is it done?
Doctors recommend angiography when you are symptomatic of pain in your chest, jaw, neck or arm (that can't be explained by other tests), unstable angina, a heart defect you were born with, a heart valve problem that requires surgery.
What to keep in mind before angiogram?
If you:
Are allergic to iodine dye used in the test
Have ever had a serious allergic reaction
Have asthma
Are allergic to any medicines
Have any bleeding problems or are taking blood-thinning medicines
Have a history of kidney problems or chronic diabetes
What will happen during the procedure?
During a coronary angiogram, a type of dye that's visible by X-ray machine is injected into the blood vessels of your heart. The x-ray machine rapidly takes a series of images (angiograms), giving a detailed look at the inside of your blood vessels and the heart.
What are the risks?
Most of the times, major complications are rare. However, potential risks and complications include: heart attack, stroke, injury to the catheterized artery, irregular heart rhythms, allergic reactions to the dye or medications used during the procedure, kidney damage, excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, radiation exposure from the X-rays
What does it reveal?
An angiogram show doctors what's wrong with your blood vessels. It can:
Show how many of your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed
Locate the blockages in your blood vessels
Show how much blood flow is blocked through your blood vessels
Check the results of previous coronary bypass surgery or stenting
Check the blood flow through your heart and blood vessels
Check the size and movement of the heart valves
Based on the results, your cardiologist decides on the treatment from which you would be optimally benefited. For instance, that you would benefit from having coronary angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve replacement or just medical management.