What is cardiac angiography and how is it performed?

 

Cardiac angiography is one of the tests to identify heart diseases. In this method, an angiography device is used to examine the coronary arteries and observe the degree of blockage and narrowing of these arteries. Coronary arteries are the vessels leading to the heart, whose task is to deliver oxygen and minerals to the heart.

If fats are deposited in the path of these veins (coronary arteries) and narrow the coronary arteries, blood flow to the heart decreases, which is harmful to health.

 

 What is cardiac angiography?

 Cardiac catheterization is one of the methods known as an invasive diagnosis and can reveal important information about the heart, its structure and function. Cardiac angiography is performed to examine the coronary arteries. Usually, to get such information, dynamic X-ray pictures of your heart must be taken.

The purpose of this procedure is to see if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked. You should also look for abnormalities of the heart muscle or its valves. Any person may suffer from such a complication. For this reason, it is important to treat these diseases by getting to know the symptoms.

 

How long does cardiac angiography take?

After cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography, your pulse and blood pressure will be checked and recorded. If the catheter is in your groin, the nurse may apply pressure for up to 10 minutes to stop the bleeding after the catheter and sheath are removed.

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If the catheter is placed in your wrist, a small pressure cuff may be placed around your wrist. The pressure gradually decreases over several hours. In case of angiography of your hand, you can sit immediately and you may even be able to walk immediately after. In general, a short time is considered for cardiac angiography .

 

Cardiac angiography through the hand

Usually, those who perform cardiac angiography through the hand can be discharged faster. Most people can go home the same day as the procedure. You should also make sure that someone stays with you overnight in case of any problems.

Most people may feel a little tired a day or more after the procedure, or the wound site may be sore for up to a week, which is normal. Any bruising may last up to 2 weeks. After the hand operation, the nurse will check your bleeding to allow you to be discharged if necessary.

 

Cardiac angiography through the leg

Usually, those who perform cardiac angiography through the leg are discharged a little later. Most people can go home the same day as the procedure. You should also make sure that someone stays with you overnight in case of any problems.

Most people may feel a little tired a day or more after the procedure, or the wound site may be sore for up to a week, which is normal. Any bruising may last up to 2 weeks.

 

How is angiography performed?

After entering the coat room, you will lie down on a special bed. The heart monitor records your heart rate during the test. The skin of your wrist or both sides of your groin will be cleaned with an antiseptic and you will be covered with sterile cloths.

The doctor injects a small amount of local anesthetic around the site (wrist or groin) to numb the area and then inserts a small catheter through the skin into a blood vessel. It views the catheter through dynamic x-rays that are transmitted to a television monitor.

You cannot feel the catheter in the heart; Because there are not enough nerves in the blood vessels. Once the catheter is in place, a small amount of contrast (x-ray sensitive dye) is injected through it.

As the contrast passes through the blood vessels, more dynamic x-rays are taken. Angiography takes about 40 minutes.

 

What is cardiac angiography for?

Cardiac angiography is used to remove the blockage of heart vessels, but before doing it, you should coordinate the things mentioned below with your doctor.

• your medical history, including whether you have asthma, allergies or kidney disease; If you have experienced allergic reactions to any medication, you must inform.
• Any current medications you are taking may need to be stopped before the test, such as blood thinners.
• You must fast four to six hours before the test.
• You may have various tests before an angiogram, including blood tests, an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and a CT (computed tomography) scan of the heart.