Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty
Coronary angiography and angioplasty are important procedures used to diagnose and treat blockages in the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Coronary angiography helps identify the location and severity of blockages, while angioplasty can be used to improve blood flow through a narrowed or blocked coronary artery.
What Is Coronary Angiography?
Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses X-ray imaging and a contrast dye to visualise the coronary arteries. A thin tube called a catheter is carefully guided through a blood vessel, usually from the wrist or groin, towards the heart.
The contrast dye allows the cardiologist to see the coronary arteries and identify areas where blood flow may be restricted by narrowing or blockage.
When Is Angiography Recommended?
A cardiologist may recommend coronary angiography when there is a need to examine the coronary arteries more closely. It may be considered for patients with:
- Suspected or known coronary artery disease
- Persistent or significant chest discomfort
- Abnormal results from cardiac tests
- Heart attack or suspected acute coronary syndrome
- Symptoms that require further evaluation after non-invasive testing
What Is Coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to open a narrowed or blocked coronary artery. A small balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage to improve the passage through the artery.
In many cases, a stent is placed to help keep the artery open and maintain blood flow. The type of treatment depends on the location and severity of the blockage and the patient’s overall cardiac condition.
Angiography and Angioplasty: What Is the Difference?
Angiography is primarily a diagnostic procedure used to visualise the coronary arteries and identify blockages. Angioplasty is a treatment procedure used to improve blood flow through a significantly narrowed or blocked artery.
When appropriate, angioplasty can sometimes be performed during the same catheter-based procedure after the blockage has been identified.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before the procedure, the medical team evaluates your medical history, medications, kidney function, allergies, and other relevant factors. Local anaesthesia is generally used at the catheter insertion site.
The catheter is guided to the coronary arteries and contrast dye is injected while X-ray images are taken. If a suitable blockage is identified and angioplasty is considered appropriate, balloon treatment and stent placement may be performed during the same procedure.
Recovery After Angiography or Angioplasty
Recovery time depends on the procedure performed and the patient’s overall health. After the procedure, the catheter insertion site is monitored for bleeding or other complications. Patients who undergo angioplasty may require additional observation and medication as advised by their cardiologist.
After a coronary intervention, taking prescribed medicines and following recommendations regarding physical activity, diet, smoking cessation, and cardiovascular risk-factor management are important for long-term heart health.
Angiography and Angioplasty at DHEE Hospitals Cardiology
At DHEE Hospitals Cardiology, patients with suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease can be evaluated to determine whether coronary angiography or angioplasty is appropriate. The cardiology team considers symptoms, diagnostic findings, medical history, and the severity of coronary artery disease when planning treatment.
When angioplasty is required, the procedure is planned according to the location and characteristics of the coronary blockage and the patient’s individual cardiac needs.
Book a Cardiac Consultation
If you have persistent chest discomfort, abnormal cardiac test results, or have been advised to undergo coronary angiography or angioplasty, consult a cardiologist for an appropriate evaluation. DHEE Hospitals Cardiology provides cardiac assessment and treatment planning based on individual patient needs.