Why coronary angiography is done

The access point is usually in your arm but it can also be in your groin. The dye makes the blood flowing inside the blood vessels visible on an X-ray and shows any narrowed or blocked area in the blood vessel. The dye is later eliminated from your body through your kidneys and your urine.

You can expect the test to last half an hour, although it can sometimes take longer. If you feel unwell or experience discomfort at any time, you should tell a member of the hospital staff. If you do have a stent put in angioplasty during your angiography, it will take a bit longer.

You may need to stay in hospital for several hours or overnight following the procedure. A heart CT scan is used to view your heart and blood vessels. It can diagnose birth defects, buildup of plaque that may be blocking arteries, and…. Learn how it works and when it's used. Smoking cigarettes has many heart-related risks, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, peripheral artery disease…. You will be asked to…. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart.

Learn how to recognize coronary artery disease symptoms, how to manage the symptoms, and…. Your heart keeps you alive and well, and protecting its health should be a top priority. Here are 18 heart-healthy snacks and drinks.

Making changes to your diet is one way to improve your health and reduce your risk of complications if you're living with coronary artery disease…. Treating coronary artery disease includes a combination of different medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes, surgery.

Find out your options to…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. If you are having a heart attack, coronary angiography can help your doctors plan your treatment.

Cardiologists, or doctors who specialize in the heart, will perform coronary angiography in a hospital or specialized laboratory. You will lie on your back on a movable table. Often, coronary angiography is done with a cardiac catheterization procedure. For this, your doctor will clean and numb an area on the arm, groin or upper thigh, or neck before making a small hole in a blood vessel.

Your doctor will insert a catheter tube into your blood vessel. Your doctor will take x ray pictures to help place the catheter in your coronary artery. After the catheter is in place, your doctor will inject the contrast dye through the catheter to highlight blockages and will take x ray pictures of your heart.

If blockages are detected, your doctor may use percutaneous coronary intervention, also known as coronary angioplasty, to improve blood flow to your heart. On this page. Problems diagnosed by coronary angiogram Medical issues to consider before having an angiogram Coronary angiogram procedure Immediately after the coronary angiogram Complications of a coronary angiogram Taking care of yourself at home after a coronary angiogram Long-term outlook after a coronary angiogram Other heart tests Where to get help.

Problems diagnosed by coronary angiogram Apart from diseased coronary arteries, an angiogram can also diagnose a range of heart problems including aneurysm abnormal ballooning of the heart wall , heart arrhythmias irregular heart beat or birth defects, such as a hole in the heart. Medical issues to consider before having an angiogram Before the procedure, you need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor including: your medical history, including whether or not you have asthma, allergies or kidney disease if you have experienced allergic reactions to any drugs any current medications you are taking.

You may need to discontinue certain medications before the test, such as medications that thin the blood fasting — you need to fast four to six hours prior to your test other tests — you may undergo various tests before the angiogram, including blood tests, an electrocardiogram and chest x-ray and cardiac CT computed tomography. Coronary angiogram procedure Most diagnostic coronary angio procedures are done as day cases. Immediately after the coronary angiogram After the angiogram, you can expect the following: Your blood pressure, pulse, breathing and wound site are regularly checked and recorded.

You may be given intravenous fluids for a short time, although you will be encouraged to eat and drink as soon as you feel able. You may be allowed to sit up after four hours. You may be discharged to go home up to six hours post after recovery.

If you are not already on a special diet, you will be encouraged to adopt a cholesterol-lowering diet. Initial results are given to you by the cardiologist who performed the procedure. You may have to make follow up appointment with a cardiologist to further discuss your treatment. Complications of a coronary angiogram Some of the possible complications of a coronary angiogram include: allergic reaction to the contrast dye, including hives and itchy skin bleeding from the wound heart arrhythmia heart attack stroke.

Taking care of yourself at home after a coronary angiogram Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include: Try to rest as much as you can. Avoid standing for more than a few minutes at a time. Avoid heavy lifting for at least a week after the procedure. See your doctor if you suspect infection.