When most people hear the term coronary angiography, they often think it’s a procedure reserved for older adults with a long history of heart problems. However, heart health issues don’t only affect the older generation—young adults can also experience cardiovascular challenges, sometimes without even realising it.
What is Coronary Angiography?
In simple terms, coronary angiography is a special test that takes detailed images of the blood vessels in your heart. It’s like getting an inside look at how well blood is flowing through your heart’s arteries. The test can help your doctor determine if there are any blockages or narrowings in your coronary arteries—the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your arm or groin. This catheter is guided toward your heart, and a special dye is injected through it. The dye makes the blood vessels visible on an X-ray, allowing the cardiologist to see if there are any blockages or abnormalities.
Why Would a Young Adult Need Coronary Angiography?
Heart issues might not be the first thing young adults think about, but they can happen. While conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) are often associated with older adults, younger people can develop it too, especially those with risk factors like:
- Family history of heart disease – If you have close relatives who’ve experienced heart problems, you’re more likely to face similar issues.
- Lifestyle factors – Smoking, a poor diet, lack of physical activity, and high-stress levels can all contribute to heart problems, even in younger people.
- Pre-existing conditions – High cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes increase your risk of developing heart disease earlier in life.
- Congenital heart defects – Some people are born with heart defects that may require monitoring or treatment, and a coronary angiogram can be a helpful diagnostic tool in these cases.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or even unexplained fatigue, your doctor might suggest a coronary angiogram to get to the bottom of what’s going on.
The Procedure and What to Expect
If your cardiologist, like Dr. Soon Chao Yang, recommends coronary angiography, it’s normal to feel anxious about the procedure. However, it’s important to remember that this test is both common and generally safe. Here’s a step-by-step look at what typically happens during the procedure:
- Preparation – You’ll likely be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the test. You’ll also change into a hospital gown, and a nurse will insert an IV line for medication.
- Local Anaesthesia – The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, so while you are awake, the area where the catheter is inserted (either your groin or arm) will be numbed, and you won’t feel any pain during the insertion.
- Catheter Insertion – Once the area is numb, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and carefully guided toward your heart. You won’t feel the catheter moving inside you, and the medical team will monitor everything using X-ray imaging.
- Dye Injection – The special dye, called contrast, is injected through the catheter, and as it flows through your coronary arteries, the X-rays will capture detailed images of your heart’s blood vessels.
- After the Test – Once the angiography is complete, the catheter is removed, and the insertion site is bandaged. You’ll be monitored for a few hours to ensure everything is fine, and then you’ll be able to go home the same day or the next.
The Results and What They Mean
The images taken during your coronary angiography will show if your arteries are clear or if there’s a blockage. If a significant blockage is found, your cardiologist may recommend treatments like lifestyle changes, medication, or even further procedures like angioplasty (where a small balloon is used to open up the narrowed artery) or placing a stent to keep the artery open.
For many young adults, a coronary angiogram may reveal that their symptoms are due to something other than blocked arteries, such as stress or a less serious heart condition. However, if the test does show an issue, it’s better to catch it early, when it’s more manageable.
Taking Care of Your Heart
No one wants to end up needing heart tests, but it’s important to take preventive steps to avoid heart problems later in life. Here are some tips to keep your heart healthy, especially as a young adult:
- Exercise regularly – Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. Even simple activities like walking or cycling can make a big difference.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet – Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, and quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
- Manage stress – Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart, so finding healthy ways to cope—whether through exercise, meditation, or talking to a professional—can help.
- Get regular check-ups – Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to have regular health checks. Monitoring things like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can help detect problems early.
Consult Now At The Heart Doctors Clinic
Coronary angiography might sound intimidating, but it’s a valuable tool that helps doctors like Dr. Soon Chao Yang diagnose heart conditions before they become more serious. While young adults may not think they need this test, certain risk factors and symptoms can warrant it. Taking charge of your heart health now can help you avoid more significant issues down the road, so listen to your body and don’t hesitate to consult a cardiologist if something doesn’t feel right.
Taking care of your heart is a lifelong journey, and every step counts.
