Coronary Angiography- procedure, outcome and aftercare

Posted on 02/19/2022 by BMB

Heart attacks are becoming more common in young people, particularly in India, where statistics show that 20 to 25 percent of heart attacks occur in those under the age of 45. The best way to prevent them is to go for a thorough check-up. An early diagnosis and scheduled follow-up can keep your heart healthy. These days due to advanced diagnostic equipment, it has become easier for our experts to treat the conditions of their patients before getting worse. Coronary angiography is one such diagnostic procedure that can prevent an attack before getting it. In this blog, we will discuss this with our panel of heart specialists in Kolkata.

 

Understanding the procedure- why it is done?

Coronary angiography can help a doctor to diagnose various heart conditions. Your cardiologist may recommend coronary angioplasty if you have-

• a dull ache, heavy, or tight chest discomfort
• congenital anomaly of the coronary arteries, in which the arteries are not in the correct orientation,
• or valvular heart disease, in which one or more of the heart's valves are damaged.
• Cardiomyopathy( heart muscle illnesses)

• After a heart attack, a doctor may utilize coronary angiography to detect the blockage.

Before the following procedures, a doctor may find it helpful to undergo a coronary angiography:

• angioplasty of the coronary arteries
• An operation that reroutes blood around clogged arteries is known as a coronary artery bypass transplant.
• Or before the heart valve surgery.

 

How a coronary angiography is done?

• Through the groin or wrist, a very small tube (catheter) is introduced into a blood vessel.
• A dye (contrast material) is injected after the catheter is in place, and X-ray images are acquired. Because this fluid can be seen on an X-ray machine, your doctor can see the flow and pinpoint the obstruction or blockage if there is any.
• Your doctor may need to undertake another treatment (such as stent implantation) to open the restricted artery.
• The catheter is withdrawn after the surgery is completed.

 

What should you do after the angiography procedure-

• As per the experts practicing in the best heart hospital in Kolkata, you will be under observation and your medical personnel will check your vitals for a few hours after the surgery.
• Walking will be encouraged.
• Drink plenty of water to flush the dye from your system.
• Your doctor will notify you of any treatment options based on your reports.
• You could be discharged home the same day, or you could be admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay. A follow-up appointment will be set up if needed.

 

FAQ- all your queries resolved-

How will you feel during the test?

-You may feel a small burning or"flushing" after the dye is injected.

-To prevent bleeding after the test, pressure will be administered to the place(groin or wrist) from where the catheter is removed.

- You may be urged to lie flat on your back for a few hours following the test if the catheter was inserted in your groin to prevent bleeding.

-This may cause minor back pain.

 

How much time will it take to perform the test?

It may take 30 mins to one hour. However, if your surgeon performs an additional procedure(stent placement) along with the test, it might take longer.

 

How is this useful for you?

An angiogram assists your doctor in -

-detecting any blood vessel abnormalities (such as plaque deposit, blood clots, etc. ),

-diagnosing any cardiovascular disorders,

-congenital abnormalities in your blood vessels or coronary arteries of the heart, -valuating your health prior to surgery,

-and to check the stent implantation.

 

How do I take care of myself after angiography?

As per the cardiologists practicing coronary angiography in Kolkata,

-you should drink a lot of fluids

-relax in bed, do not perform any strenuous activities

-do not lift heavy objects

-do not apply cream or lotion at the puncture site(groin or wrist)

-do not smoke or drink alcohol during your recovery

-you should avoid wetting the area.

-do not remove the dressing for 24 hours.

-even after 24 hours, if it’s oozing out, you should apply another fresh bandage for 12 hours.

 

Conclusion- if you are suffering from any cardiac issues, get yourself checked by our heart specialist in Kolkata to keep your heart healthy.