What is coronarography?
Coronarography is an invasive method of examining the blood vessels of the heart, during which? using a contrast agent? the anatomy of the arteries feeding the heart is assessed and the extent of their damage is determined. Coronarography is the gold standard for diagnosing atherosclerotic heart disease and is performed by an interventional cardiologist in a catheterization laboratory.
Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle, and their blockage can lead to damage to heart muscle tissue and the development of myocardial infarction.
Coronary angiography is the most accurate method of examining the heart's blood vessels to determine the exact location and extent of the damage, allowing the treating physician to make the right decision regarding further treatment.
When is coronarography necessary?
Coronary angiography is prescribed after an appropriate examination of the patient as determined by the attending cardiologist if the patient has:
- Discomfort or pain in the heart area, which may be due to the presence of coronary heart disease, that is, an imbalance between the need and supply of oxygen to the heart muscle;
- Positive stress test results.
Coronary angiography may also be prescribed if the patient is noted to have:
- Heart rhythm disorders;
- Congenital heart defects;
- Heart valve disease requiring surgical treatment.
How is the procedure performed?
Coronary angiography is performed under local anesthesia and does not require general anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a very thin catheter through the radial or femoral artery, from which a special contrast agent is injected into the coronary vessels, and a thorough examination of the anatomy and patency of the coronary arteries is performed using X-rays.
The procedure usually lasts 15-20 minutes. Balloon angioplasty or coronary artery stenting may be performed to restore blood flow in the narrowed vessel.
What happens after the procedure?
After the procedure, the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation are monitored. The length of stay depends on the patient's general condition and the severity of the disease.
After the coronary angiography procedure, the doctor analyzes the record of the X-ray examination of the coronary (heart) vessels and plans further treatment tactics.
Possible complications
Coronary angiography is a safe method of diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, however, as with any other interventions and manipulations, rare complications are possible, the rarest of which is a lethal outcome.
The patient should immediately contact the attending physician after the procedure if he or she has the following complaints:
- Bleeding from the puncture site;
- Chest pain;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Severe redness or signs of infection at the catheter insertion site;
- Fever.
Recommendations
After discharge from the clinic, the patient is advised to:
- Rest and drink the recommended amount of water;
- Avoid the use of tobacco and alcohol;
- Avoid physical exertion and heavy lifting;
- Re-visit the cardiologist at a certain time after the procedure for follow-up.
