Coronary Angiography in Jaipur

When is a coronary angiography performed?

Coronary angiography is typically performed in the following situations:

• Chest Pain or Angina: When a person experiences chest pain or angina that suggests a possible blockage in the coronary arteries.
• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): After a heart attack, coronary angiography may be done to identify the location and severity of blockages in the coronary arteries.
• Abnormal Stress Test Results: If a stress test indicates potential issues with blood flow to the heart, angiography may be recommended for a more detailed evaluation.
• Unexplained Heart Failure: In cases where there is unexplained heart failure, coronary angiography can help determine if blocked arteries are contributing to the condition.
• Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): When a healthcare provider suspects coronary artery disease, angiography is performed to visualize the arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing.
• Evaluation of Heart Valve Issues: Coronary angiography may be part of the diagnostic process when investigating heart valve problems.
• Before Cardiac Surgery: In some cases, particularly before certain heart surgeries, coronary angiography may be done to assess the coronary arteries and plan the procedure.
• Monitoring Coronary Artery Interventions: After procedures like angioplasty or stent placement to open narrowed arteries, angiography may be performed to ensure the success of the intervention.

How does a coronary angiography work?

Coronary angiography is a medical procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. Here’s an overview of how the procedure works:

• Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient is typically given a mild sedative to help them relax. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area where the catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will be inserted, usually in the groin or wrist.
• Catheter Insertion: A catheter is carefully threaded through the blood vessels and guided toward the coronary arteries. The catheter is usually inserted through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist.
• Contrast Dye Injection: Once the catheter is in position within the coronary arteries, a contrast dye is injected through the catheter.
• X-ray Imaging: X-ray images are taken rapidly as the contrast dye flows through the coronary arteries. The images provide a real-time view of the blood flow and any potential obstructions.
• Evaluation and Diagnosis: The cardiologist evaluates the X-ray images to assess the condition of the coronary arteries. Blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities are identified, and the severity of the coronary artery disease is determined.
• Possible Intervention: In some cases, if a significant blockage is identified during the angiography, the cardiologist may perform an intervention immediately. This could involve procedures like angioplasty (balloon dilation) or stent placement to open narrowed arteries.
• Post-Procedure Care: After the angiography is completed, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. The patient is monitored for a short period to ensure there are no complications.

The contrast dye makes the coronary arteries visible on X-ray images, allowing the healthcare team to capture detailed images of the blood vessels and identify any blockages or abnormalities.