Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography is an invasive imaging procedure that allows the evaluation of heart function. It usually involves taking X-rays of the heart’s arteries (coronary arteries) using a technique called coronary angiography. The resulting photos are known as coronary angiograms.
The need for Coronary angiography:-
Coronary angiography helps in finding the presence of heart problems, planning the future course of treatment, and also carry out certain procedures:
For example, it may be used:
- after a heart attack – where the heart’s blood supply is blocked
- to help diagnose angina – where pain in the chest is caused by restricted blood supply to the heart
- to plan interventional or surgical procedures – such as a coronary angioplasty, where narrowed or blocked blood vessels are widened.
Stages of the procedure
- During the procedure, a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or arm.
- Using X-ray images as a guide, the tip of the catheter is passed up to the heart and coronary arteries.
- A special type of dye called contrast medium is injected through the catheter and X-ray images (angiograms) are taken.
- The contrast medium is visible on the angiograms, showing the blood vessels the fluid travels through. This highlights any blood vessels that are narrowed or blocked.
- The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, so you’ll be awake while the procedure is carried out, but the area where the catheter is inserted will be numbed.
Post-coronary angiography care
- You’ll usually be able to leave the hospital on the same day you have a coronary angiography, after a period of rest and observation.
- Most people feel fine a day or so after having the procedure, although you may feel a bit tired afterward and the wound site is likely to be tender for up to a week. Any bruising may last for up to 2 weeks.
- You’ll usually be advised to avoid certain activities, such as bathing and lifting heavy objects, for a day or two after the procedure. Do not drive until you’re told it’s safe to do so, which may not be for up to 3 days.
Benefits
- Coronary angiography is considered to be the best method (Gold standard) of diagnosing coronary heart disease, where a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries affects the heart’s blood supply.
Risks
Coronary angiography is usually a very safe procedure. However as with all procedures, there are some risks, the incidence of major complications is very low ( 1% approx.)
- being allergic to the contrast dye – this is uncommon, but you should discuss any allergies you have with your heart specialist (cardiologist) before having the procedure
- bleeding under the skin where the catheter was inserted – this is usually easily managed by pressure dressing.
- a very small risk of more serious complications, including damage to the artery in the arm or leg where the catheter was inserted, heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and, very rarely, death.