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Deaths due to cardiovascular diseases are on the rise, emphasising the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. The most common test used to diagnose coronary heart disease is a Coronary Angiogram, often called Angiography.
A Coronary Angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that uses X-rays to visualise the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles. It involves inserting a tube or small catheter into a blood vessel through the skin, usually in the groin or wrist and moving up to the coronary arteries. Then, a contrast dye rich in iodine is injected through the catheter, which makes the arteries accurately visible on X-ray images called angiograms. Manipal Hospitals Cardiology Department in Broadway, Kolkata, has a team of skilled radiologists and cardiologists who employ advanced diagnostic equipment to conduct Angiography procedures precisely, ensuring patients' comfort. This procedure helps our cardiologists determine the extent and location of blockages that guide further treatment decisions such as medication, Angioplasty, or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, improving the lives of patients with cardiac diseases.
Consult our cardiologists if you need a Coronary Angiogram in Kolkata.
Manipal Hospitals has the most advanced diagnostic equipment to conduct angiography with the patient’s comfort in mind. Coronary angiography is performed under local anaesthesia and takes around 15-20 minutes
There are different types of angiograms, which are used to diagnose a variety of conditions. These are:
Coronary Angiogram
Computed Tomography Angiography
Digital Subtraction Angiography
Cerebral Angiogram
Peripheral Angiogram
Carotid Angiogram
Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Pulmonary Angiogram
Radionuclide Angiogram
Renal Angiogram
Generally, a Coronary Angiogram is used to assess the narrow or blocked blood vessels in the heart. Our cardiologist may suggest a Coronary Angiogram when you have:
Chest pain called angina
Blood vessel problems
Pain in the chest, jaw, neck or arm that remains unexplained by other tests
Congenital heart defects
Chest injury
Heart valve diseases that need surgery
Irregular results in exercise stress test or Electrocardiogram
A doctor suspects a heart attack
Unusual shortness of breath or chest discomfort
A Coronary Angiogram is also recommended to decide the right course of treatment for coronary artery disease by knowing the extent of blockage.
Sometimes, a Coronary Angiogram is done in an emergency, and you will not have time to prepare for this procedure. In the case where it's scheduled, follow these common instructions:
Do not drink or eat anything at least 8 hours before the procedure, or as directed by our cardiologist.
Ask the doctor about the regular medications you are taking are allowed.
Inform the doctor regarding any prior medical condition, such as diabetes.
Discuss your medical history, allergies, and any queries regarding the procedure, you may have.
A Coronary Angiogram is done in a hospital setting in the catheterisation laboratory.
You will be required to change into a hospital gown and remove eyeglasses, jewellery, contact lenses, or hairpins.
It's advisable to empty your bladder before the procedure.
Information regarding allergies to dye, pregnancy, or other medications is collected.
Blood pressure and pulse will be checked.
Sticky patches called electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, or legs to assess heartbeat and will stay throughout the entire test.
The area where the catheter will be inserted is shaved, cleaned and numbed.
During the procedure, you'll lie on your back.
Our healthcare provider will administer medication to help you relax, but you'll remain awake enough to follow instructions.
An Electrocardiogram (ECG) will monitor your heart rhythm throughout the procedure.
The area in your groin or arm where the artery is accessed will be numbed using the medicine, alleviating your pain.
A sheath or tube will be placed in your artery, allowing wires and catheters to be passed to locate your coronary arteries.
Fluoroscopy, an X-ray machine rotating around you, will enable the provider to visualise the catheter's path in your blood vessels.
Once the catheter is in position, dye will be injected through the tube, and X-rays will be taken to observe its flow through your artery.
A slight discomfort may be felt when the dye enters your body.
Cardiologists examine it through X-rays to assess if any blockages, such as cholesterol or plaque buildup, are obstructing the blood flow in your coronary arteries.
If blockages are detected, the provider may perform an Angioplasty to clear the blockage and place a stent at the same time to keep the artery open. Angioplasty and stenting may be done immediately or scheduled for a later time.
In some cases, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) may be recommended, and the procedure will be stopped and a surgeon will be consulted.
The timing of surgery will depend on individual circumstances and may be arranged before discharge or scheduled as an outpatient procedure.
After the Coronary Angiogram, the healthcare provider will remove the catheter.
Pressure may be applied to the insertion site for at least 15 minutes to prevent or stop bleeding, and a bandage will be placed.
Soreness at the insertion site is common afterwards.
A tight bandage will be applied if the catheter is inserted into your arm.
If the catheter was inserted in your groin, you may need to lie on your back for a few hours.
Most people can go home the same day as the procedure, but those with complex or late-day procedures may need to stay overnight.
Due to anaesthesia, you'll need someone to drive you home after discharge, even if it's on the same day.
You may feel tired and experience sensitivity or bruising at the insertion site for a week or more.
The provider may advise you to limit activities for a couple of days after returning home.
Coronary Angiography is only done by an experienced cardiologist, so the chances of complications are rare. Age, diabetes, or kidney disease are more likely to cause complications. Its possible risks include:
Heart attack
Low blood pressure
Excessive bleeding
Infection, pain or bleeding at the site of catheter insertion
Kidney damage
Blood vessel injury
Stroke
Blood clots
Abnormal heartbeats called arrhythmias
Reaction to dye or anaesthesia
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