Coronary Angiogram :

Indications / Who might need an Angiogram?

Coronary Angiography is a benchmark to evaluate narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the heart. Some of the common indications for coronary angiogram are :

• Suspected atherosclerotic Coronary heart disease
• To determine the coronary artery anatomy in patients with CAD
• Irregular results in an electrocardiogram or a stress test.
• Prior to or in conjunction with procedures like Coronary angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass surgery
• To find out the reason for persistent Chest pain despite medical therapy
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Heart valve diseases
• Heart attack (hearts blood supply blocked )
• Abnormal heart rate or rhythm

Coronary Angiogram procedure

• You are instructed to fast for 6- 8 hours before the procedure
• A thorough physical examination is done before the procedure
• It is important to mention your drug History ( over the counter medications as well as supplements)
• Refrain from the drugs as mentioned by your health-care team
• It is important to mention any allergies and other medical condition or Comorbidities
• Discuss and learn about the procedure with your surgeon to avoid any stress and anxiety
• Aneurysms

Procedure Details

The procedure is most often carried out under local anesthesia and may last up to an hour or might even take longer if angioplasty is performed along with it. Coronary angiography is mostly performed under local anesthesia, as it is considered to be safer if the patient is awake to report any discomfort.

The physician makes a small incision either on the wrist or groin and passes a thin flexible tube called catheter into the artery guided into the opening of the coronary arteries.The advancement or the progress of the catheter is monitored by the x rays( Fluoroscopy)transmitted to a television . Once the catheter is in the desired position a radio contrast agent called the X -ray dye is passed through the catheter to make the blood flow visible for about 3 to 5 seconds before it washes away into the coronary veins, capillaries during which the X-ray images called angiogram are recorded,evaluating or understanding any blockages in the blood vessels,This special dye used aids in clearly highlighting blood vessels that are narrowed or blocked.after recording the images the catheter is withdrawn. If a blockage is noticed and requires immediate therapy a coronary angioplasty and stenting is carried out along with Coronary angiogram in order to repair the restricted arteries.

After coronary angiogram

Immediately after the procedure the patient may be given certain instructions by their health care team and is allowed to rest and recover for few hours while being monitored by the staff.

Typically a coronary angiogram is performed as an out patient procedure which means the patient is allowed to leave the hospital on the same day of the procedure unless a coronary angioplasty has been performed which requires an overnight stay .

Precautions after Angiogram procedure

It is crucial to follow all the instructions given by your health care team. Some of things to keep in mind are:

• Avoid bathing immediately after procedure it is important that you keep your insertion area dry and clean .
• Avoid participating in any strenuous activities or lifting anything heavy
• Monitor your insertion site( the site where the catheter tube is inserted) look for bleeding, unusual pain, swelling, abnormal discoloration
• Avoid participating in sexual activity for few days after the procedure
• Avoid swimming or using bath tub after the procedure

Understanding the results of a coronary angiogram

The results or the recorded angiogram determines blood supply of the heart and locates any blockage, Atherosclerosis etc allowing the surgeon to proceed with further treatment plan accordingly to treat the condition . Hence it is important to schedule an appointment after the procedure with your surgeon for further treatment.

Recovery after Coronary Angiogram

Recovery may take upto 24 to 48 hours if the procedure is performed for diagnosis and if It is performed along with angioplasty the recovery period may vary and depends on the severity of the condition . ( mostly 3 weeks )

Facilities required for coronary angiogram ?

• Coronary angiography is carried out in a cath lab , rather than in the regular operating theatre.
• This room is equipped with x-ray imaging equipment,a radiographic table, one or two x-ray tubes, and a video monitor.
• This procedure also uses sheath ,a balloon catheter, stent and guide wire.

Complications of coronary Angiogram

Coronary angiogram is a safe procedure and the complications encountered are rare

• There is an increased risk of bleeding at the insertion site either at the groin , wrist or neck
• Chances of Infection at the catheter insertion site
• Angina or discomfort
• There is a slight chance that the patient might develop an allergic reaction to the dye used in the surgery
• Blood clot within the treated blood vessel
• Abnormal heart beat ( arrhythmia)
• Chances of acute myocardial infarction
• Damage to the coronary artery an (emergency leading to open heart surgery)
• The inserted catheter may cause damage to the blood vessel leading to blood clots .
• Kidney damage may be seen in patients with any underlying kidney disease.

How to choose a surgeon and hospital for Coronary Angiogram

When selecting a medical specialist for a coronary angiogram, there are various aspects to consider. The cardiologist’s experience, training, certification, positive reviews and references are essential factors to consider. It advisable to to choose a Hospital that is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is easily approachable to minimize travel time. It is better to consider the experiences of individuals who have undergone treatment for particular a condition while making decisions about treatment or surgery options as it can fetch you a better out outcome.

Skedoc assists you to find information related to Best cardiologists and best hospitals/ clinics . It also ease the process of selecting the right doctor for right advise.