Angiography

Coronary angiography is a diagnostic test used to examine the blood vessels in your heart. During the angiography procedure, a specific dye (contrast material) is injected into the blood vessels. These dyes make the blood vessels visible on X-ray monitors and other imaging techniques. This helps medical professionals examine the blood vessels and diagnose disorders such as blockages or anomalies in the heart and related blood vessels.

Signs & Symptoms

Although angiography does not have “signs” or “symptoms” alone, it may have transient side effects.

Common outcomes:

• Slight discomfort or soreness where the injection is made.
• Feeling flushed or warm after the dye injection.

Potential adverse consequences:

• Redness or itching due to an allergic reaction to the dye,
• Vomiting or nausea,
• Dizziness or headache

You should get medical help immediately if you have serious side effects, including breathing problems or chest pain.

Causes

Angiography is performed to:

1. Diagnose Blockages: Identify any blockages or narrowing in blood vessels.
2. Check Blood Flow: Evaluate blood flow to organs and tissues.
3. Find Abnormalities: Detect abnormalities like aneurysms or malformations.
4. Guide Treatment: Help plan or monitor heart disease or stroke treatments.
5. Investigate Symptoms: Investigate unexplained symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

When to seek medical attention?

Angiography is a medical procedure that uses X-rays to look at blood vessels. If you need this test, here’s what to expect: 

Preparation:

You may need to fast for a few hours before the test. Inform your doctor about any allergies you may have. During the test, a thin tube, called a catheter, is inserted into your blood vessels, usually in your arm or leg. The dye helps highlight the blood vessels on X-ray images. 

After the test, you may need to rest briefly while your doctor reviews the images to check for problems with your blood vessels. 

Risk Factors

Although most of the time, angiography is safe, there are a few risks to be careful of: 

• An allergic reaction is one possible side effect of the dye used in the test.
• Tears: Wherever the catheter is inserted, bleeding may occur.
• Infection: There is a slight chance of infection at the catheter site.
• Issues with the Kidney: The dye may sometimes interfere with kidney function, especially in people with kidney issues.
• Cardiac Problems: In rare cases, the test may result in cardiac issues, particularly if you already have heart disease.

These risks are managed by your doctor, who will also explain how they affect you personally.

Diagnostic & Test

You might need to perform a few tests before having an angiography:

Pre-Angiography Testing:

Physical Examination: A physician will evaluate your general health, including your blood pressure, heart rate, and lung sounds.

Blood Investigations: Blood tests could include examinations for renal function, general health, and blood clotting factors.

Echocardiogram: Often called an EKG or ECG. This test produces images of your heart by using sound waves.

Chest X-ray: This test can help identify lung or heart abnormalities.

Stress Test: This test assesses how well your heart works under pressure, like when you’re exercising or taking medication.

Treatment Procedure

Preparation - The patient is asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure. 
-Local anesthetic is administered to numb the area (typically the arm or groin). 

Catheter Insertion - A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel through the numbed area. 

Dye Injection - By injecting a contrast dye through the catheter, Blood vessels are made more visible in X-ray pictures. 

Imaging - X-rays or CT scans are performed to visualize blood flow and detect obstructions or anomalies in the arteries. 

Completion - After the imaging is finished, pressure is applied to stop bleeding, and the catheter is removed. 

After a few hours of observation, the patient can typically return home the same day.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s:

• Follow directions: Comply with your doctor’s pre-test instructions, including any fasting requirements. 
• Notify your physician: Provide information about allergies, prescription drugs, or medical issues. 
• Remain composed: Remain calm throughout the process; it’s usually not painful or dangerous. 
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water will aid in the dye’s removal following the treatment. 
• Watch for problems: Report strange symptoms, such as bleeding at the catheter site, edema, or chest pain. 

Don’ts: 

• Eat nothing: Refrain from eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the test. 
• Don’t drive 
• Avoid taking specific medications: As directed by your physician, stay away from drugs such as blood thinners. 
• Make plans for a driver to accompany you home after the surgery. 

FAQ’s For Angiography