Angiography

Coronary angiography is a diagnostic test used to examine the blood vessels in the heart. During angiography, 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 at the site of injection,
• 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.

Seek medical immediately, if you experience severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing or chest discomfort.

Causes

 Angiography is performed to:

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

When to seek medical attention?

 Seek your doctor’s attention immediately if you experience any of the following after the angiography procedure: 

• Bleeding does not stop even after applying the pressure or restarts again,
• Pain is not going even after taking the painkillers,
• Redness or Swelling at the skin at the site of catheter insertion,
• If there is a change in the color or temperature of the area where the catheter was inserted 
• Inflammation or formation of a lump that is sore to touch at the catheter insertion site.

 Other minor complications or side effects after the angiography may include:

• Excessive bleeding at the incision site,
• Infection at the incision site,
• A mild to moderate allergic reaction to the contrast dye.

Risk Factors

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

• Allergic reaction: 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 tests: These tests could include examinations for renal function, general health, and blood clotting factors.
• Electrocardiogram (often called an EKG or ECG): This test captures your heart’s electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram: 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 exercising or taking medication.

Treatment Procedure

 Angiography 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: Blood vessels are made more visible in X-ray pictures by injecting a contrast dye through the catheter. 

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

Completion: After the imaging, 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 for Angiography:

• 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 for Angiography:

• 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. 

FAQ’s For Angiography