Expertise
Coronary Angiogram
At ARAVIND HEART CARE, we provide Coronary Angiograms, a critical diagnostic test to evaluate the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart.
This minimally invasive procedure allows Dr. C.S. Aravind to identify blockages, narrowing, or plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which could lead to heart attacks or other serious cardiovascular conditions. A coronary angiogram helps determine the best course of treatment for heart disease, including angioplasty, stent placement, or other interventions.
What Is a Coronary Angiogram?
A Coronary Angiogram is a specialized X-ray imaging test used to examine the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. It is the gold standard for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) and assessing the severity of blockages or narrowed arteries. During the procedure, a special dye (contrast material) is injected into the coronary arteries through a catheter, making the arteries visible on X-ray images. This allows the cardiologist to see if blood flow is restricted or blocked.
Angioplasty is an effective treatment for patients with chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or those who are at risk of heart attacks due to blocked arteries.
Why Is a Coronary Angiogram Performed?
A coronary angiogram is performed to
- Detect blockages in the coronary arteries.
- Evaluate chest pain (angina) or other symptoms of heart disease.
- Confirm the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Determine if further treatments like angioplasty or bypass surgery are needed.
- Assess the effectiveness of previous treatments, such as stents or bypass surgery.
Who Needs a Coronary Angiogram?
You may need a coronary angiogram if you experience:
- Chest pain (angina) that doesn’t improve with medication.
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Abnormal results on stress tests, ECGs, or other heart-related diagnostic tests.
- A history of heart attack or heart disease.
How Is a Coronary Angiogram Performed?
During a coronary angiogram:
- Preparation: The procedure is performed in a catheterization lab. You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted (usually the groin or wrist). You may also be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
- Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through the femoral artery (in the groin) or the radial artery (in the wrist) and guided to the heart.
- Dye Injection: Once the catheter is positioned in the coronary arteries, a special dye (contrast material) is injected. This dye makes the arteries visible on X-ray images.
- Imaging: X-ray images (angiograms) are taken as the dye moves through the coronary arteries, highlighting any blockages or narrowing.
- Evaluation: Dr. C.S. Aravind will carefully review the images to determine the extent of the blockage and recommend appropriate treatment.
The entire procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients can return home the same day.
Benefits of a Coronary Angiogram
- Accurate Diagnosis: Provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, allowing for precise diagnosis of blockages or narrowing.
- Guides Treatment: Helps the cardiologist determine the best course of treatment, including angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is relatively quick and involves minimal recovery time, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days.
After the Coronary Angiogram
After the procedure, you will be monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no complications. You may need to lie flat for a few hours to allow the catheter insertion site to heal. In most cases, patients can return home the same day, although some may need to stay overnight if additional procedures are performed (e.g., angioplasty or stent placement).
FAQs
The procedure is not painful, but you may feel a slight pressure when the catheter is inserted. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and a sedative may be given to help you relax.
Most patients recover within a few hours and can return home the same day. However, you will need to avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 days and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding care of the catheter site.
While coronary angiograms are generally safe, there are some risks, including bleeding, infection, allergic reactions to the dye, blood clots, or damage to the artery where the catheter is inserted. These risks are rare and are minimized by experienced cardiologists like Dr. C.S. Aravind.
If a significant blockage is found, Dr. Aravind may perform an angioplasty or place a stent during the same procedure to open the artery and restore blood flow. In some cases, bypass surgery may be recommended if multiple or complex blockages are found.
You will likely be instructed not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure. Dr. Aravind will provide specific pre-procedure instructions based on your health condition.
Most patients can go home the same day after a coronary angiogram. However, if additional procedures like angioplasty or stent placement are performed, an overnight stay may be required for monitoring.
Before the procedure, Dr. Aravind will provide detailed instructions, which may include stopping certain medications (like blood thinners) and fasting for a few hours. Be sure to inform your doctor of any allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye.
No, you will not be able to drive immediately after the procedure. It’s recommended to have someone drive you home, as the sedative and effects of the procedure may take time to wear off.
No, a coronary angiogram involves inserting a catheter into the coronary arteries to inject dye and take X-ray images. A CT angiogram is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a CT scanner to take detailed pictures of the heart’s arteries without inserting a catheter.
Dr. Aravind will usually be able to discuss the results with you immediately after the procedure, and a detailed report will be provided soon after.