Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG)

Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG) is a medical test to check the heart's blood vessels (coronary arteries) for blockages or narrowing. A special dye is injected into the arteries, and X-ray images are taken to see how blood flows through them.

Signs & Symptoms

 Symptoms of Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG) can vary, but common signs include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina).
• Shortness of breath.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Unexplained fatigue, especially during physical activity.
• Heart attack symptoms (severe chest pain, pressure, and sweating).

Causes

 Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG) performed to detect:

• Coronary artery disease (blockage or narrowing of heart arteries due to cholesterol buildup).
• Heart attack (a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart).
• Angina (chest pain due to poor blood flow to the heart muscle).
• Abnormal heart tests (like ECG or stress test).

When to seek medical attention?

 It’s essential to consult a doctor if you experience:

• If you experience chest pain or pressure, especially if it gets worse with activity.
• If shortness of breath occurs even when you are resting.
• If your doctor suspects you have coronary artery disease after other tests.

Risk Factors

 Several factors can increase the risk for Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG), including:

• High cholesterol levels.
• High blood pressure.
• Smoking.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Family history of heart disease.

Diagnostic & Test

 Your Physician may conduct the following tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures electrical activity of the heart.
• Stress test: Evaluates how the heart works during physical activity.
• Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to check heart structure and function.
• Blood tests: Checks for markers of heart damage.
• Coronary Artery Angiography: Confirms blockages in the heart’s arteries using X-ray and dye.

Treatment Procedure

CAG is a diagnostic procedure, not a treatment. Based on the results, treatments can include:

• Medications: To manage heart disease or prevent blood clots.
• Angioplasty: A balloon is used to open a blocked artery, and sometimes a stent (small tube) is placed to keep it open.
• Coronary artery bypass surgery: A vein or artery from another part of the body is used to bypass a blocked heart artery.

Do’s & Don’ts

 Do's:

• Follow pre-test instructions (like fasting before CAG).
• Inform your doctor of any allergies, especially to iodine (used in the dye).
• Stay calm and follow the medical team's advice during the procedure.
• After the procedure, rest as recommended and avoid heavy lifting.
• Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle (eat healthy, exercise regularly, take prescribed medications).

 Don'ts:

• Don’t ignore chest pain or discomfort before or after the test.
• Avoid smoking or alcohol before the procedure.
• Don’t engage in strenuous activity immediately after the procedure without your doctor’s advice.

FAQ’s For Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG)