A chest discomfort that you can’t quite explain that comes up for the smallest of reasons. If your doctor has brought up the idea of coronary angiography, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious or even a little confused about what that entails. Is it a type of surgery? Will it hurt? And what exactly are they trying to find out?
What Is a Coronary Angiography?
Coronary angiography is a specialised imaging test that allows doctors to take a closer look at the blood vessels in your heart. It’s often used to diagnose coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked.
It is like a live map of your heart’s, helping your cardiologist identify any jams (blockages) that could lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.
Why Would I Need One?
Your doctor might suggest a coronary angiography if you’re experiencing: Unexplained chest pain
- Abnormal results from a stress test or ECG
- Symptoms of angina
- A known history of heart disease
- Risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking
This isn’t a test that’s done lightly. It’s performed when there’s a good reason to take a closer look at how blood is flowing through your heart.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The test usually takes place in a hospital’s catheterisation lab and typically lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Preparation: You’ll be asked to fast for a few hours beforehand. You’ll also change into a hospital gown and be connected to monitors that keep track of your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Local Anaesthesia: A small area near your wrist or groin will be numbed. This is where the doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter.
- Catheter Insertion: The catheter is carefully guided through your blood vessels to the coronary arteries. Contrast Dye Injection: During this procedure, a special dye is injected through a catheter to help make your arteries visible on X-ray images. You might experience a brief warm sensation when this happens, which is completely normal.
- Imaging: Live X-rays, known as angiograms, show how the dye flows through your heart’s arteries. If there’s a blockage, it will be visible.
- Next Steps: Based on the angiography results, your doctor may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, or, if needed, procedures like angioplasty or stent placement.
Is It Safe?
Coronary angiography is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, it does come with some risks. These are rare and usually minor, such as bruising at the insertion site or mild allergic reactions to the dye. Your cardiologist will go over all potential risks with you before the test.
Know Your Heart, Know Your Options
If your doctor has suggested a coronary angiography, it’s because they’re taking your symptoms and heart health seriously. This isn’t just about identifying issues; it’s about preventing bigger problems down the line.
At The Heart Doctors, we’re dedicated to ensuring you understand every step of the process. Schedule a consultation with a specialist and take that next step with confidence. Your heart deserves clarity, not confusion.
