Coronary Angiography is performed for identification of blockages in coronary arteries. It is ordered by your cardiologist if you have a recurrent angina or have been diagnosed with it for the first time. It is also ordered in event of a heart attack.
It is advisable that you do not eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours before angiography. Blood thinning medications such as aspirin, are prohibited for few days before the test and for a day after the test. Discuss with the doctor if you are allergic to any of the dyes that will be used during the procedure.
Local anesthesia is administered by the doctor to commence coronary angiography. Cardiac catheterization is done in conjunction with angiography. Firstly, a dye is passed through the coronary arteries. A thin, flexible tube called catheter is passed into the body through an incision created in groin, arm or neck. From there, the catheter is guided towards cardiovascular region. Once it reaches cardiac region, dye is released into the bloodstream. X-ray images are captured while the dye comes into contact with the bloodstream. Doctors comprehend location and size of blockage/s With the help of these images. An angiography procedure usually gets completed in less than an hour.
You may need to stay over at the hospital after the angiography. The paramedical staff will constantly monitor your heart and pulse rate. Contact your cardiologist immediately if you see a high amount of blood oozing out from the catheter insertion site that is not controllable with a bandage. Other reasons to see your doctor include unusual pain, redness, swelling or any other signs of infection at or near the catheter insertion site.