What is coronary angiography?

Coronary angiography is a test to identify whether you have a blockage in the coronary artery.  During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected into your arteries through a catheter, and your doctor will watch how the blood flows through your heart on an X-ray screen.  Doctors often advise MRI or a CT scan before undergoing the coronary angiography procedure.

Why do you need to do angiography?

It is done to identify whether your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed. An angiogram will help your doctor to see where the problem is and also to make a decision whether you need angioplasty or stent, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or medical therapy. Angiography is recommended if you have chest pain (angina), any heart defects you were born with (congenital heart disease), abnormal results on a non-invasive heart stress test and a heart valve problem that requires surgery. Since there are some expected complications, angiography will not usually be advised until after non-invasive heart tests such as electrocardiogram, echocardiogram or a stress test have been performed.

What are the pre angiography guidelines?

 - The evening before your surgery, drink only clear fluids after a normal dinner. Coffee, tea, juice, Jell-O, and clear soups are examples of this. Avoid dairy items.

 - As directed by your doctor, take all of your usual medications with water.

 - Make sure to bring all of your medications, as well as their relevant dosages on your procedure day. If you're on diabetes meds, talk to your doctor about whether you should stop using them.

 -  Before your angiography, you must not be using any anticoagulants (blood thinners). If you're taking these medications, talk to your doctor about quitting them.

 What are the post angiography guidelines?

 - For 2-3 days after your test, avoid heavy lifting or vigorous labour.

 - Consume usual amounts of food. It's a good idea to drink more fluids.

 - As directed by your doctor, take all of your regular prescriptions. Any pain or discomfort can be treated with Tylenol or aspirin.

 - If bleeding occurs, apply direct pressure to the bleeding if it happens where the catheter was implanted. If you're having trouble stopping the bleeding, go to hospital immediately. 

What are the side effects of angiography?

 - Allergic reactions can arise as a result of a variety of drugs employed during the treatment. The use of beta-adrenergic blockers increases the risk of a severe allergic reaction. 

 - During the process, the mechanical movements of the tools might cause difficulties including bleeding and clotting, which can lead to more significant consequences.

Angiogram - FAQs

1) Is an angiogram painful?

Angiograms are painless.For a typical angiography, through a tiny needle local anaesthesia will inject into your wrist, and while it is numb, a small incision will be made to place the catheter. If you are extremely nervous, you may be given a sedative, as well as pain treatment if you are in any discomfort, although most people do not require it.

2) How long does it take to complete an angiography procedure?

Usually, the procedure lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

3) How long does it take to recover from an angiogram?

The majority of the people are fine a day or two after the procedure. You might feel sleepy, and the incision site will probably be sore for up to a week. Bruising could last up to two weeks.

4) How much does it cost for angiography approximately?