Coronary angiography is a test conducted to examine the blood vessels and arteries that supply blood to the heart. This test shows the existence of blockage in these blood vessels and arteries. During the conduction of this test, an X-ray machine is used to get a clear image of blood vessels, arteries, and capillaries.
The doctor will inject a liquid dye into the artery through a flexible tin plastic tube called a catheter that will show the image of a damaged artery or the presence of any clot in the blood vessels and capillaries. The dye is then passed out from the body through urine. This test is conducted to diagnose various heart diseases.
Preparation for the test:
There are specific measures taken before the coronary angiography;
- You cannot eat food before the test because it can increase your heart rate, and the X-ray image will not be clear. Avoid drinking juices, tea, or coffee before the test except for water.
- Your doctor can also suggest preventing you from taking any medication before the test. However, in case of your allergic body, you may be asked to take steroids almost 12 hours before the test to avoid further allergies from the dye.
- You should also avoid wearing any jewelry, glasses, or ornaments before conducting the test.
- Before the test, you may give a specific medication like a beta-blocker to slow down your heartbeat. Moreover, you may also receive nitro-glycerine to dilate your coronary arteries.
The procedure of the test:
The procedure of the test includes the following steps;
- You will be asked to lie on the bed during the test. Your doctor will clean and numb your arm to inject the dye.
- Then catheter will be inserted into your arm, and the dye will flow through this plastic tube to the heart’s artery. The sticky patches of electrodes will be attached to your chest along with the dye insertion that will record the heartbeat of your heart.
- An X-ray or CT scan machine will be placed near you. The dyes will show the image of blood vessels and arteries on the screen.
- Later, the dye will be removed from your body through urine. The doctor will closely view the images to inform you about your artery’s damage.
- After the test, you will be monitored for 4-6 hours. Then you can go home and get back to the normal activities of your life. Your doctor will advise you to drink plenty of water.
Results of the test:
The test results will be analyzed from the image of the X-ray machine. Any abnormality related to a blockage or clotting in your artery may lead to severe heart disease. Based on test results, the doctor may advise you on preventive measures or treatment to remove the abnormality.
Treatment of blood vessels
To get a fast recovery, the doctor can suggest you the following ways:
1. Medication
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine according to the severity and mildness of your disease. You must strictly follow the doctor’s instructions about medication dose and timing for a speedy recovery.
2. Exercise
Your doctor will advise exercising regularly to help you maintain the ideal weight, blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol level. It also reduces the chances of getting heart disease.
3. Healthy diet
A healthy diet is rich in protein, fiber, and iron. Your doctor also advises you to have a healthy diet to keep your metabolism healthy and active.
4. Stop smoking
Smoking is the primary cause of getting heart disease. To maintain a healthy life, smoking must be stopped immediately.
5. Mental Relaxation
Stress can tighten your muscles and lead to a heart attack. Therefore, you need to do Yoga and exercise regularly to remain fit physically and mentally.
Risk factors of blood vessels
Coronary angiography is considered safe, but poor medical procedures can create problems. Here are some risk factors of coronary angiography:
1. Bleeding
After conducting the test, you may have bleeding under the skin. It should be stopped immediately; otherwise, it can create severe problems.
2. Cancer
During the conduction of the test, some harmful radiation is used. The amount of radiation depends on the type of machine. These radiations are the most significant cause of cancer. Multiple coronary angiographies can increase the risk of having cancer or forming any blood clot.
3. Allergy
You may get an allergy from the dye used for diagnosis. It can create redness or rashes on your skin.
4. Bruising
It is common to have bruising (discoloration of the skin due to tissue injury) after the conduction of this test. Multiple coronary angiographies increase the factor of having injured tissues in the body.
Complications:
Following are some of the serious complications associated with coronary angiography:
- Injury: Coronary angiography can cause further damage to the artery; as a result, the patient collapsed due to a disturbance in heart functioning.
- Heart attack: A patient can get a heart attack during or after this test.
- Death: The patient can also die due to the blockage of blood supply to the heart.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-coronary-angiogram/about/pac-20385117 retrieved on April 08, 2022.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/coronary-angiography retrieved on April 08, 2022.
- https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/heart-tests/coronary-angiography retrieved on April 08, 2022.
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4977-angiography retrieved on April 08, 2022.
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-angiography/risks/#:~:text=The%20main%20risks%20of%20coronary,arm%20for%20a%20few%20weeks retrieved on April 08, 2022.