Cardiac Sciences

Understanding Coronary Angiogram: A Crucial Heart Test

Dr. Rajpal RL Singh Jul 26, 2024

What is a Coronary Angiogram?

A coronary angiogram is a crucial procedure that outlines the coronary arteries, helping us determine if there are any narrowing, their locations, and the extent of the narrowing. This information is vital for planning the appropriate treatment for patients.

How is a Coronary Angiogram Performed?

The procedure is typically done as a day care procedure. Here's how it works:

Preparation:
- Patients arrive at the hospital around 8 AM after having a light meal.
- Basic investigations are conducted before the angiogram.
Procedure:
- The angiogram is performed while the patient is fully conscious, under local anaesthesia.
- In 90% of cases, a small puncture is made in the radial artery located in the wrist.
- A tube is placed into the artery, and a wire is passed up to the heart.
- Tubes are placed into the two major coronary arteries, one on the left side and one on the right.
- Contrast dye is injected to visualize the arteries, and fluoroscopic (X-ray) images are taken from multiple angles.

What Information Does an Angiogram Provide?

The images captured during the procedure allow us to:

Identify the presence and location of any arterial narrowing.
Determine the percentage of the narrowing.

With this detailed information, we can plan the further treatment of the patient based on their specific condition and symptoms.

Risks Associated with Coronary Angiograms

While the procedure is generally low-risk, it is not without potential complications, which occur in about one in a thousand cases. Possible complications include:

Bleeding
Rare life-threatening events
Stroke
Kidney problems

These risks are managed and treated promptly by your cardiologist to ensure the best outcomes.

Conclusion

If your doctor recommends a coronary angiogram, there is no need to worry. It is a straightforward, routine test that provides critical information for evaluating coronary artery disease. We perform this procedure daily to help patients receive the best possible care

Dr. Rajpal Singh | Fortis Hospital BG Road Bangalore