Coronary Angiography – Need, Causes, And Risks

Many people suffer from heart diseases. There are many procedures for the same. Coronary Angiography is one such treatment. Coronary Angiography is a procedure that uses dyes and the X rays to see how blood flows through the arteries. The images resulting from the procedures are known as angiograms and arteriograms.

Why do we need Coronary Angiography?
Coronary Angiography is used to diagnose the heart disease. It may also help in future treatments and will also help in carrying out certain procedure. After following procedures, coronary angiography is performed –
• Post Heart Attack – It may be used after the heart attack where the supply of blood is blocked.
• Diagnosis of Angina – Angina is a condition of chest pain that is caused by restricted blood supply.
• Surgical Procedure – It is also used in coronary angioplasty. In this procedure, the blocked blood vessels are widened.
• During Aortic Stenosis
• People suffering from chest pain when all other tests are normal.
• If you have an abnormal heart stress test.

Pre Procedure
You have to take proper care before the procedure for the better diagnosis. Following things are to be kept in mind before the procedure –
• Do not eat or drink anything before 8 hours of the test.
• Wear a hospital gown and sign the consent form.
• Will be given a mild sedative to help you relax down.
• Inform your doctor if you are -
i. Taking any anti-allergic or other medicines.
ii. Might be pregnant
iii. Taking Viagra

What happens during the procedure?
The test is performed in conjunction with cardiac catheterization. It helps to determine the pressure in the heart chambers. Following steps are involved in the procedure –
1. In the procedure, an area or groin is cleaned and anesthesia will be given to that part resulting in numbness of the part.
2. The cardiologist will then pass a tube called catheter, which is hollow, through the artery and will move it up into the heart.
3. X-ray will help the cardiologist to position the catheter.
4. Once the catheter reaches the place, the dye will be injected to the catheter. The dye after injunction will give a warm sensation.
5. X-ray images are then taken continuously to detect how the dye is moving through the arteries.
6. This is done because the dye will highlight any blockages in the arteries.
7. The procedure might take up to 30 to 60 minutes.
8. After the test is over, the catheter is removed.
9. The firm pressure is applied at the point of insertion to prevent the bleeding.

After the procedure
• After the procedure, the doctor may even advise you to lie on flat on the back for few hours to prevent excessive bleeding.
• You will be allowed to leave the hospital the following day after the surgery.
• You may feel a little bit tired after the procedure.
• Take care of the wound because any bruise on the wound may take several days to heal.
• Avoid lifting heavy weights for a week
• Avoid doing several activities like driving and bathing.

Risks
The risks involved with the procedure are –
• Injury in the artery
• Low Blood Pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Stroke
• Allergic reactions due to the use of dye
Therefore, Coronary Angiography is not a surgical procedure for the treatment. It is a procedure to diagnose a problem. The surgery is performed by the Cardiologist.

To know more about your specific condition, please visit an Cardiologist in a a trusted hospital close to you.