What is Coronary Angiography?

Coronary Angiography is a way of examining the blood vessels of your heart and detecting any blockage if present. It is a minimally invasive procedure and takes less than an hour to complete. Patients who have high cholesterol levels are more prone to coronary artery disease. That high level of cholesterol gets mixed up with blood and deposits on the walls of the coronary artery. This deposit makes the arteries narrower and the blood pressure increases. All these deposits can block the arteries and thereby can lead to heart attack. These blockages need to be found out with the help of coronary angiography.

How is Coronary Angiography performed?

First of all, an injection is given to numb the area. After that a small catheter, a tiny tube is inserted from the thigh or wrist area. Once that tube reaches the heart, near the opening of the coronary arteries, a dye is injected inside that tube. The outer x-ray detects the presence of dye and clicks its images. It shows where the dye has reached and where it can not. The place where the dye can’t reach shows a blockage. The blockage can be partial or complete depending upon the circulation of dye. After which the patient is sent to the ward or recovery room from where s/he can be discharged after a few hours or so.

What is Complex Angiography?

Angiography is usually very safe and simple, but it can become complex in patients who have access problems due to thin, diseased or blocked arteries. Patients with kidney failure may also need extra precautions and kidney safe dye or even dialysis in advanced cases. In addition, when the patient is unstable due to an on-going heart attack then the angiography becomes complex. When the coronary arteries are completely blocked or have hard plaque build-up then the process becomes complex. Other techniques such as rotablation angioplasty are then used in case of total occlusion or calcified lesions. In rotablation angiography, a fine drill-like instrument is used to get rid of plaque to make way for the wire or tube to pass through. After that coronary angioplasty and stenting are performed.

Is Angiography Possible for Calcified Lesions & Total Occlusion of Coronary Artery?

There is no additional problem doing coronary angiography even for calcified lesions. The calcified lesions need an extra step before the actual angioplasty, this is known as percutaneous coronary intervention such as rotablation, which gives a better outcome for stenting as well. The stent holds well and there are fewer chances of any clot or thrombosis as well. It takes experience and skill to find out the best technique for a particular patient condition and to ensure the best outcome for the patient. That’s why Dr Rajiv Agarwal is considered the best cardiologist in Delhi for coronary angiography and angioplasty procedures. Total Occlusion of the coronary artery may need coronary artery bypass grafting or CABG surgery. Dilating the artery fully and getting rid of the calcified lesions is very important before stent placement. If the stent is unable to expand fully, it can lead to restenosis or occlusion of the artery again. So an experienced cardiologist must be your choice for coronary angiography and angioplasty procedures.

What is Left Main Coronary Angiography?

In this procedure, the left side of the heart is checked for any blockages or occlusions. Following this, in selected cases we may do left main angioplasty which is a complex procedure requiring special imaging techniques and support. Dr Rajiv Agarwal performs left main coronary angioplasty in Delhi in routine for his suitable patients who can then avoid surgery. However the decision depends on the coronary anatomy and the cardiologist and surgeon will consult beforehand to decide what is best and safest for the patient. Finally we proceed with the patient’s informed consent and preference.. You can book an appointment with Dr Agarwal here. The best Coronary Angiography doctor in Delhi

What are the benefits of a coronary angiogram?

• It can detect blockage in the coronary arteries
• It can diagnose the blood clots in lungs and in nearby blood vessels
• It’s a simple and quick procedure without any side-effects
• The patient can go home the same day.
• If the need arises, angioplasty (ballooning) can be done in the same sitting as well with the patient’s consent.
• Pumping capacity of your heart and the functioning of your heart valves can also be measured by coronary angiography.

How do I prepare myself before going through coronary angiography?

• It is advised not to eat or drink after midnight, the night before the procedure.
• Don’t smoke or drink on the day or day before an angiography procedure.
• Having an attendant with you is a good idea as we don’t advise driving back home by yourself.
• Please inform us about any kind of allergies or conditions you have.
• Be relaxed, it’s a simple procedure and you will be just fine.

What to expect after the angiography procedure?

• A simple tape will be applied on the site of incision after the procedure.
• You will be sent to the ward or recovery room after the procedure where you should lie on your back without much movement.
• You are allowed to eat and drink after about an hour.
• After keeping you under observation for a few hours, you will be discharged to go home.
• You can join your sitting job the next day, however, you are now allowed to lift any weights or any other sports activity for about a week.
• Painkillers will be prescribed in case you feel pain at the incision site.
• Any fever or bleeding from the wound is highly unlikely, however, if it happens, please report to the clinic.
• To avoid bleeding from the wound, you can apply gentle pressure on it while coughing, laughing and sneezing, etc.

Will Coronary angiography be painful?

No, Coronary angiography is not at all painful as some medications are given to make you feel relaxed along with an injection to numb the area.

Will radiation remain in my body even after the coronary angiography procedure?

No, Coronary angiography is like consecutive x-rays in a row, no amount of radiation remains in your body and it’s absolutely safe procedure.

How will the dye be removed from my body?

Drinking a lot of water will help the dye to be flushed out from your system.

When will I be able to go home?

Most patients are discharged the same day after angiography, some patients may need to spend the night in the hospital if the need arises.

When can I start my activities of daily living after coronary angiography?

You can start your daily tasks that don’t require any hard work from the next day post-procedure.

I am allergic to contrast-medium/ dye, how can I get my Coronary Angio done?

You will be given anti-allergic medications before introducing the dye. You can have your coronary angiography without facing any problems, however, you should inform us about your allergies before the procedure.