Cardio Angiography



Cardio Angiography

Definition:

Cardio Angiography, also known as Coronary Angiography, is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to visualize the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries) using X-ray technology and a contrast dye. It helps detect blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities in the coronary arteries.

Indications:

Cardio Angiography is performed to diagnose and evaluate:

  1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Blockages in the coronary arteries.
  2. Angina (Chest Pain) – To assess the cause of persistent chest pain.
  3. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) – To determine the extent of arterial damage.
  4. Abnormal Stress Test Results – When non-invasive tests suggest heart disease.
  5. Heart Valve Disease – To check for associated coronary problems.
  6. Congenital Heart Defects – For evaluating structural heart issues.
  7. Pre-Surgical Evaluation – Before procedures like bypass surgery or angioplasty.

Procedure:

  1. Preparation:

    • Patient is asked to fast for several hours.
    • Blood tests, ECG, and imaging studies may be done before the procedure.
    • A mild sedative may be given to help the patient relax.

  2. Procedure Steps:

    • Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible catheter is inserted into a blood vessel (usually through the femoral or radial artery).
    • Guidance to the Heart: The catheter is guided to the coronary arteries using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging).
    • Contrast Injection: A special dye (contrast agent) is injected through the catheter.
    • X-ray Imaging: X-ray images (angiograms) are taken to visualize blood flow and detect blockages.

  3. Post-Procedure:

    • The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site.
    • The patient is monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no complications.
    • Hydration is encouraged to help flush out the contrast dye.

Risks and Complications:

While generally safe, some potential risks include:

  • Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
  • Allergic reactions to the contrast dye.
  • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
  • Infection (rare).
  • Blood vessel damage.
  • Stroke or heart attack (very rare but serious).

Interpretation of Results:

  • Normal: Smooth blood flow without any blockages or narrowing.
  • Mild to Moderate Blockage: May require lifestyle changes, medications, or further tests.
  • Severe Blockage: May require angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Advantages of Cardio Angiography:

  • Accurate Diagnosis: Provides a clear image of coronary artery health.
  • Guides Treatment Decisions: Helps in planning angioplasty, stenting, or surgery.
  • Minimally Invasive: Performed via a catheter without the need for open-heart surgery.

Alternatives to Cardio Angiography:

  • CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) – Uses a CT scan instead of a catheter.
  • Stress Test with Imaging – Evaluates blood flow using echocardiography or nuclear scans.
  • MRI Angiography (MRA) – Uses magnetic resonance imaging for blood vessel visualization.


 

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