Coronary Angiography
What is Coronary Angiography?
Coronary Angiography is an imaging technique or a radiological test that helps visualize the insides of the coronary arteries to see how the blood flows into your heart. The technique uses X-rays. If plain X-rays of the chest are taken, they usually do not show the coronary arteries. During coronary angiography, a special dye is used to visualize the arteries.
Using a thin, flexible hollow tube known as a catheter, radio-opaque dye (contrast material) is injected into the coronary arteries. As the dye courses through the arteries, X-rays are taken to show the patency and size of the arteries and their branches. Coronary angiography thus can show the exact location and severity of any plaque formation and the consequent narrowing of the coronary arteries. This helps the doctor decide which treatment is needed. For example, if the narrowing of the arteries is mild, it can be treated with medicines alone. If the arteries and their branches are more severely occluded and narrowed, coronary artery bypass graft or coronary angioplasty may be required.
Why is the test performed?
Your cardiologist will decide whether you need to get this test done based on the type of heart disease. Coronary Angiography mainly indicates the presence of atherosclerosis, the formation of plaque and the resultant narrowing of the coronary arteries. This is usually manifested as chest pain or angina. If a person has a heart attack, this test may be recommended to decide upon the further course of action. Sometimes patients with valve disease or holes in the heart who require heart surgery may also be recommended for coronary angiography.
Who cannot take the test?
- Persons who are allergic to contrast dyes with positive evidence of such events in the past
- Persons taking viagra
- Pregnant women
Coronary angiography tests cannot be performed where a person or persons may have these conditions.
What is the test procedure?
Preparation for Angiography
Most patients who are prescribed the test need to be admitted to the hospital on the day of the test. Sometimes you may be advised to get admitted the previous evening or stay overnight. A few hours of fasting with nothing taken via the mouth (including water) is recommended. The person is required to wear a hospital gown. The patient and his/ her relatives are informed about the details of the procedure and risks involved. Then a signed consent form for the procedure is obtained.
Procedure for Coronary Angiography
The test is commonly carried out within the Catheter Laboratory or Cath Lab in a hospital setup. The facility usually has an intensive care unit to deal with emergencies. Please consult a cardiologist for any questions related to your heart health. This content is purely created for heart health awareness and educational purposes.
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