What is Coronary Angiography? Everything You Need To Know

Heart health is unarguably of utmost importance in our lives. It is the most vital organ of the body after the brain and serves many crucial biological functions that keep us alive. Many people, as they age, begin to experience heart complications. Due to our unhealthy lifestyles and constant stress, the coronary artery can develop blockages and can lead to life-threatening heart conditions. Therefore, in this day and age, it is essential to do a coronary angiography to detect the blockages in the coronary artery.

Cardiac catheterization is the general procedure under which coronary angiograms are categorized. Using X-Ray, the coronary angiogram procedure monitors the blood vessels of your heart and checks for restrictions in the blood flow and high blood pressure.

How Is A Coronary Angiogram Test Performed?

A sedative is injected to relax the muscles before the angiogram test begins. The arm or the groin is numbed using local anaesthesia. A tube called a catheter, which is a thin hollow tube, is then passed through an incision. Using X-Ray imaging, the tube directed to the heart. Once it reaches the artery as desired, a liquid is injected and the professionals follow its movement through the artery.

Why Does One Need An Angiogram Heart Test?

You May Get An Angiogram Heart Test If The Following Symptoms Prevail:

• Unstable angina
• Aortic stenosis
• Uncharacteristic chest pain in spite of other tests coming out normal
• Abnormal results of the heart stress test
• Heart attack
• Chances of heart failure

How To Prepare For The Angiography Process?

An angiogram heart test may be needed on an emergency basis, but mostly they are planned. There are a few general instructions that you need to keep in mind when undergoing coronary angiography, which are as follows:

• Do not consume food or water for about 6 hours before the angiogram test
• Consult your doctor before consuming diabetes medication before the test.

What Happens During Your Angiogram Heart Test?

The patient is generally awake in most cases during the test. Slight discomfort may be experienced where the catheter is inserted along with a warm sensation when the liquid is injected. Post the removal of the catheter, firm pressure is applied at the point of insertion to prevent blood loss. Such discomfort does not last long enough.

How To Understand The Results Of The Test?

A normal flow of the liquid determines that the arteries are clear whereas a restricted blood flow indicates the existence of blockages.

A coronary angiography helps doctors determine the level of blockages and is useful in assessing the condition of your heart. The results of the test are enough to suggest the need for coronary angioplasty or stenting to help clear clogged arteries.

Make sure you secure yourself with a medical insurance and get yourself treated from a well-reputed medical facility with trained professionals to avail the best treatment. More importantly, ensure that you lead a healthy lifestyle and take special care of your heart; after all, health is wealth!

While you learn about coronary angiography, you can read more about Coronary Artery Disease: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment and Angioplasty on our health guide section.