Coronary Angiography For Heart – Coronary angiography is a process that uses a contrast material or special dye and x-rays to see the flow of blood through the arteries to your heart. A coronary angiogram or coronary angiography is sometimes performed with cardiac catheterization, which helps measure pressure in the heart chambers.
Coronary angiography is a test used to find out the blockage in your coronary artery. If you have unstable angina, aortic stenosis, atypical chest pain, or abnormal heart failure, then you may be at risk of a heart attack.
During coronary angiography, your doctor will inject a contrast dye into your arteries by a catheter, and meanwhile, the doctor will see the blood flow by your heart on an X-ray screen. This test is also called a cardiac angiogram, cardiac catheterization, or catheter arteriography.
Coronary Angiography Procedure
A coronary angiogram is a procedure that takes an x-ray picture of the heart. The major aim of this procedure is to watch if your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed and to look for abnormalities of the heart valves or heart muscles. During the procedure, a slender catheter which is a hollow or thin plastic tube is threaded by the largest artery to your body which is known as the aorta, through the groin artery or the wrist till it reaches the coronary arteries of your heart.
When you need Coronary Angiogram
You may require a coronary angiogram when you have the following issues:
- 1. Your electrocardiogram or stress test is abnormal.
- 2. You have been diagnosed with a heart attack, a problem with heart failure, and a heart valve.
- 3. You have chest pain or angina that has started recently.
- 4. You have heart surgery, and your provider thinks that you may have coronary artery disease.
- 5. When you are having abnormal chest pain or shortness of breath, or discomfort, other tests do not show anything abnormal.
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Risks associated with Coronary Angiogram
A coronary angiography carries some hazards, such as radiation exposure from the X-rays utilized, like most operations done on your heart and blood vessels. However, serious problems are uncommon. Possible consequences and issues include:
- 1. Stoke
- 2. Heart attack
- 3. Infection
- 4. Kidney damage
- 5. Irregular heart rhythms
- 6. Excessive bleeding
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How to prepare for Coronary Angiogram
When a coronary angiogram is performed, your doctor will ask you about the medications you are taking and will give some specific instructions before starting the procedure. You may have to ensure the following things:
- 1. You are not having any liquid or drinking anything after midnight before this procedure.
- 2. Ask your doctor if you have diabetes and that you should take oral medications or insulin before the procedure starts.
- 3. You must take all your medications and ask your doctor whether you should take the morning medicines or not.
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Benefits of Coronary Angiography
Coronary Angiography helps provide relevant information regarding the heart and other nearby blood vessels. This procedure is beneficial for diagnosing your heart conditions and planning for future treatments. It also provides images showing the blood vessels near your heart are blocked or narrowed because you may seek treatment if they are blocked. Coronary Angiography can help diagnose various heart diseases such as coronary heart disease, angina, heart attacks, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, etc.
Furthermore, coronary Angiography can also be performed during or before any specific treatment, such as:
- 1. It can be used or performed to widen narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
- 2. Coronary Angiography can be used during heart valve surgery (a surgical procedure to replace or repair the heart valves).
- 3. A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgery performed to divert blood around clogged or narrowed arteries and improves the flow of blood to your heart.
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Conclusion
Coronary Angiography is a test used to find out the blockage in your coronary artery. If you have unstable angina, aortic stenosis, atypical chest pain, or abnormal heart failure, then you may be at risk of a heart attack. You may need coronary Angiography if you are diagnosed with a heart attack, a problem with heart failure, and a heart valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is Coronary Angiography?
A coronary angiogram or Angiography is considered the best procedure to diagnose heart disease.
Is Angiography a safe procedure?
Yes, Angiography is usually a safe and effective process. However, there are some common risks or complications, such as infection or bleeding.
Can coronary Angiography help clear blockage?
No, an angiogram only helps in providing images to see narrowed or blocked arteries.
Can Angiographe be performed during heart valve replacement surgery?
Yes, Coronary Angiography can be used during heart valve surgery (a surgical procedure to replace or repair the heart valves).
What happens during Coronary Angiography?
During coronary Angiography, your doctor will inject a contrast dye into your arteries by a catheter, and meanwhile, the doctor will see the blood flow by your heart on an X-ray screen.
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