A Simple Guide on Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography is an imaging test used to assess the presence or absence of coronary artery blockage. Your doctor may suggest a coronary angiography if you have aortic stenosis, unexplained heart failure, chest pain that is not associated with any other ailment, or unpredictable angina.

This particular test may also be referred to as catheter arteriography, angiography, or heart catheterization. Prior to your first consultation with a specialist, it is usually advised that you have a thorough understanding of the angiography process.

Your doctor may decide to have an MRI or CT scan to look for any possible heart abnormalities before performing a coronary angiography test. Therefore, it is imperative that you avoid eating or drinking anything for eight hours before the angiography. Make sure you also have the necessary means of transportation to get back to your home.

It is essential that you have someone with you that evening since you may feel lightheaded or confused for up to 24 hours after the heart angiography test. The morning before the test, it is common to be asked to check in at the hospital. Later that day, you will have the chance to check out.

You will be asked to sign paperwork and put on a hospital uniform when you go to the hospital. The physicians and nurses will begin to check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels and begin to give you an intravenous line. An ultrasound and blood test may be recommended by your doctor.

It is crucial that you notify your doctor right away if you are pregnant, allergic to shellfish, taking sildenafil, or have had negative responses to contrast dye in the past. To pass the angiography test, you must have this information.

To help you relax and get ready for the angiography test, a tiny dose of sedative will be given to you. You will be given the test when you are awake. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medication to numb and sanitize a particular part of your body, such as your arm or genitalia.

There may be a slight pressure sensation that travels throughout the body after the sleeve is inserted into an artery. A catheter is a thin tube that the doctor will skillfully guide to a heart artery. The entire process will be visible to your doctor on a screen. For the most part, you won’t feel anything when the catheter is placed into your blood vessels.