Coronary Angiography
What Is a Coronary Angiography?
A coronary angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to see your heart's blood vessels. The test is generally done to see if there's a restriction in blood flow going to the heart.
Coronary angiograms are part of a general group of procedures known as heart (cardiac) catheterizations. Cardiac catheterization procedures can both diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. A coronary angiogram, which can help diagnose heart conditions, is the most common type of cardiac catheterization procedure.
During a coronary angiogram, a type of dye that’s visible by an X-ray machine is injected into the blood vessels of your heart. The X-ray machine rapidly takes a series of images (angiograms), offering a look at your blood vessels. If necessary, your doctor can open clogged heart arteries (angioplasty) during your coronary angiogram.
Why do I need Coronary Angiography?
Coronary angiography can be used to help diagnose heart conditions, help plan future treatments and 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 the pain in the chest is caused by the 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
Coronary angiography is also considered to be the best method of diagnosing coronary heart disease (where a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries affects the heart’s blood supply).
What happens during Coronary Angiography?
During the procedure, a long, thin and flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel from your groin or arm. Using X-ray images as a guide, the tip of the catheter is passed upto the heart and coronary arteries. A special type of dye called contrast medium is injected into the catheter and X-ray images (angiograms) are taken. The contrast medium is visible on the angiograms, showing the blood vessels that the fluid travels through. This clearly highlights any blood vessels that are narrowed or blocked. The procedure is usually carried out under local anesthetic, so you will be awake while the procedure is carried out, but the area where the catheter is inserted will be numbed.
After Coronary Angiography?
You will usually be able to leave the hospital on the same day you have a coronary angiography procedure 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 several weeks.
You will usually be advised to avoid certain activities, such as bathing, driving and lifting heavy objects, for a day or two after the procedure. While you are recovering, it’s important to look out for signs of any problems. You should seek immediate medical attention if swelling at the site of your wound gets worse, or if you experience excessive bleeding or circulation problems in your limbs.
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