Coronary Angiography is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to examine the blood arteries in your heart. The test is typically performed to determine whether there is a blockage in the blood flow to the heart. Your doctor, i.e., the best cardiologist in Hyderabad, Telangana, will be concerned if you have unstable angina, unusual chest discomfort, aortic stenosis, or unexplained heart failure because these conditions indicate your risk for a heart attack.
Coronary angiograms are a procedure referred to as heart (cardiac) catheterization. Cardiac catheterization methods can both identify and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. The most common cardiac catheterization procedure is coronary Angiography, which can be used to diagnose heart problems.
A contrast dye, a type of dye visible by an X-ray machine, is injected into the arteries during the coronary angiography procedure using a catheter (thin, plastic tube). At the same time, your doctor observes blood flow via your heart on an X-ray screen. Coronary Angiography is also known as a cardiac angiogram, catheter arteriography, or cardiac catheterization.
The Purpose of Coronary Angiography
Coronary artery disease develops with a buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries. As a result, the heart doesn’t receive enough of the blood and oxygen it needs to function correctly due to this buildup. This, over time, weakens or harms the heart. The following are some coronary angiography indications for your doctor to suggest that you get a coronary angiogram:
- Symptoms of CAD, such as chest pain
- Unexplainable pain in your neck, arm, chest, or jaw
- A heart defect you were born with
- Heart failure symptoms
- Any further blood vascular issues or a chest injury
- Increasing or new chest pain
- A heart valve problem
- Symptoms of a heart attack
Angiograms typically follow noninvasive heart tests like electrocardiograms, echocardiography, or stress tests.
How to Prepare for Coronary Angiography?
Before doing a coronary angiography test, doctors frequently utilize an MRI or CT scan to try to identify any heart issues. In addition, before your coronary Angiography, your doctor will probably instruct you to fast for eight hours.
You will often be required to check into the best hospital for heart surgery in Hyderabad on the morning of the test, and you will be allowed to leave the facility later that day. You should get into a hospital gown and sign consent documents when you arrive at the hospital. The nurses will start an intravenous line, take your blood pressure, and check your blood sugar if you have diabetes. An electrocardiogram and a blood test may also be required of you.
You may need to avoid taking these medications for at least a day before your treatment if your doctor advises:
- Anticoagulants.
- Diabetes medications.
- Diuretics.
Inform the doctor if you are sensitive to seafood, have ever experienced a negative response to contrast dye, are taking sildenafil (Viagra), or think you might be pregnant. Additionally, it would be best to have someone stay with you the night after your procedure because you can have lightheadedness or drowsiness for the first 24 hours after the cardiac Angiography.
Coronary Angiography Procedure
Before your angiography treatment, your health care team will review your medical history, including allergies and medications, and follows coronary angiography procedure steps. The team might do a physical examination and take your blood pressure and pulse. You might need to remove your contact lenses, glasses, jewelry, and hairpins.
During the process, you are on the X-ray table, lying on your back. Safety straps may be put across your chest and legs because the table may tilt while the treatment is being performed. To capture photos from various angles, X-ray cameras will move over and around your head and chest.
You’ll be given a light sedative before the test to aid your relaxation. During the entire test, you will remain awake. First, your doctor will clean and inject anesthesia to numb an arm or groin area of your body. You may feel dull pressure when a sheath is put into an artery. Next, your heart’s artery will be gently accessed by a thin tube known as a catheter. Your doctor will monitor the entire procedure on a screen.
Throughout the operation, electrodes on your chest monitor your heart. In addition, the amount of oxygen in your blood is measured by a pulse oximeter, and your blood pressure is monitored with a blood pressure cuff. An angiography typically takes an hour, though this time may extend. In addition, preparation and post-procedure care can take extra time.
When the Angiography is done, the catheter is taken out of your arm or groin, and the incision is sealed by manual pressure, a clamp, or a tiny plug. Next, you’ll be transferred to a recovery area where you’ll be observed and monitored. Then, when your condition stabilizes, you return to your room, where you are regularly monitored. You can get the best and safest surgery from the best heart hospital in Hyderabad, which will aid your heart health.
Recovery
Before sending you home after the surgery, the staff will provide detailed instructions on caring for the access site. The instructions will be as follow:
- Relax and drink lots of water. Don’t consume alcohol or smoke.
- You shouldn’t drive, operate machinery, or make significant decisions immediately if you’ve just had anesthesia.
- After 24 hours, take off the bandage. Apply a new bandage if there is any slight leakage for a further 12 hours.
- Don’t engage in sexual activity or any strenuous exercise for two days.
- For at least three days, refrain from bathing, using hot tubs, or swimming pools. After that, you can take a shower.
- For three days, avoid applying lotion close to the puncture site.
- A week after the test, you must see your heart doctor.
Suppose there is a lot of bleeding or swelling where the catheter was inserted. Contact your healthcare professional immediately. If you experience any problems with the circulation in your arms or legs or any other coronary angiography complications, you should also inform your doctor.
Understanding Results
The results show if your heart receives a normal supply of blood and if there are any blockages. If the test results are abnormal, you may have one or more clogged arteries. When doing an angiography for a blocked artery, your doctor may decide to perform an angioplasty and possibly implant an intracoronary stent to enhance blood flow right away.
The Final Word
The results of your coronary Angiography can assist your doctor in deciding the best course of therapy for you. It also helps to know your level of heart health risk. For example, Your doctor might decide based on the test results that you would benefit from coronary angioplasty or stenting to clear blocked arteries. You can visit the best cardiology hospital in Hyderabad for excellent treatment. Angioplasty or stenting may be performed during your Angiography to minimize the need for a second treatment.
