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Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. A coronary angiogram is a diagnostic, while angioplasty is a treatment procedure for treating coronary artery blockage. Doctors usually perform coronary angiograms before angioplasty. Both procedures are minimally invasive and carried out in a specialized hospital setting known as the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
Coronary Angiogram
A coronary angiogram helps to determine the health of the coronary arteries. It is done to determine the presence and extent of blockage in the coronary artery. The results of coronary angiograms assist the doctor in developing treatment strategies.
Indication
Common indications of coronary angiogram include symptoms of coronary artery disease such as chest pain, and pain in the jaw, arm, or neck, dizziness, etc. A coronary angiogram may be also recommended in patients with congenital heart diseases, chest injuries, or valve problems. The test is also done to evaluate the success of coronary bypass surgery.
Procedure
The patient lies on the X-ray table on their back, and the staff fastens the safety strips. The doctor positions the X-ray camera over the patient to take the images from several angles. Sedatives are administered through IV lines to reduce patient discomfort and pain. A small incision is made in the wrist, arm, or groin area. The doctor inserts a thin flexible tube known catheter through the incision that proceeds to the coronary artery and then injects a dye through the catheter. As the dye moves along the blood vessels, the X-ray captures a clear image of blood flow through the arteries. This helps in identifying the site and extent of the blockage. The complete procedure takes around 20-30 minutes.
Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty is the procedure to widen the narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It is also known as a percutaneous coronary intervention. Coronary angioplasty improves blood flow to the heart, thereby reducing symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc. and preventing further heart tissue damage and death due to poor circulation. Angioplasty can be done as an emergency procedure in a serious patient or as an elective procedure to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Angioplasty is not recommended in every patient with coronary artery disease. Your doctor is the best person to decide if you are an ideal candidate for angioplasty depending upon your age and existing health conditions.
If you are looking for a hospital for Coronary Angiogram and Coronary Angioplasty Treatment in Salem then book an appointment with the best cardiologist in Salem at Manipal Hospitals.
Procedure
The initial procedure of angioplasty is almost similar to the angiogram. Once the doctor identifies the site of blockage through an angiogram, he attaches a small balloon at the tip of the catheter and guides it to the place of blockage. Once the balloon reaches the blockage, it is inflated to widen the artery by crushing the fatty deposits on the arterial wall. It improves blood flow. The doctor then deflates and removes the balloon.
In many cases, a stent (metal mesh) may be permanently placed inside the blocked artery after balloon angioplasty to keep the arteries open for a long time. Drug-eluting stents are that slowly release the medicine in the artery to prevent blockage.
Recovery
The doctor may discharge the patient the same day for an angiogram and 48 hours after angioplasty after the procedure. During the stay at the hospital, the doctor monitors the heart's functioning and evaluates the recovery. The doctor also advises the patient to drink adequate fluid to flush the dye. The patient should avoid strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects. The complete recovery from the procedure may take around one to two weeks. The patient should contact the doctor if there is redness, abscess, change in colour, or temperature at the incision site, weakness, or shortness of breath.
Complications
Complications are rare but may include bleeding, blood clotting, infection at the incision site and re-narrowing of the artery. Other complications with angioplasty include damage to the coronary artery, stroke, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm, and kidney problems.
Manipal Hospital is one of the best cardiology hospital in Salem offering world-class services to patients with heart-related problems. They have some of the best heart specialists in Salem working 24/7 to provide you with the best care you deserve.
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