Coronary Angiography | Dr. Mehul Rathod

Heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death in India. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial in preventing major cardiac events like heart attacks. One of the most important diagnostic tools used in evaluating heart health is coronary angiography.

As a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist in Latur, Dr. Mehul Rathod emphasizes the importance of coronary angiography in accurately identifying blockages in the heart's arteries and guiding appropriate treatment.

What is Coronary Angiography?

Coronary angiography is a specialized diagnostic test that uses contrast dye and X-rays to visualize the blood flow in the coronary arteries — the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

This test helps determine if there are any narrowings or blockages in these arteries, which could lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.

When is Coronary Angiography Recommended?

• Persistent chest pain or angina
• Abnormal results on stress tests or ECG
• Unexplained shortness of breath
• Suspected heart attack
• Planning for heart surgery
• Assessing results of prior angioplasty or stent placement

This test is often a gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD).

How is the Procedure Done?

Coronary angiography is usually done in a hospital's cath lab (catheterization laboratory). Here’s a step-by-step overview:

• Preparation: The patient is advised to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the test. A mild sedative may be given for relaxation.
• Access Point: A catheter (thin, flexible tube) is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist (radial or femoral artery).
• Guiding the Catheter: The catheter is guided through the blood vessels toward the heart.
• Injecting Dye: A special contrast dye is injected through the catheter into the coronary arteries.
• X-ray Imaging: Real-time X-ray images (called fluoroscopy) capture the dye as it flows through the arteries, revealing blockages or narrowing.
• Completion: Once the images are captured, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding.

The procedure typically lasts about 30 to 60 minutes and most patients go home the same day or after overnight observation.

Is Coronary Angiography Safe?

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Rarely, heart attack or stroke (very low risk)

Proper pre-procedure evaluation significantly reduces these risks.

What Happens After the Test?

• No or minor blockage: Lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring may be sufficient.
• Significant blockage: Options include angioplasty with stent placement, coronary artery bypass surgery, or aggressive medical management.

• Accurate identification of location and severity of blockages
• Helps plan appropriate treatment (medications, stents, or surgery)
• Can prevent major cardiac events by enabling early intervention
• Sometimes combined with angioplasty in the same sitting if needed

Coronary angiography is a vital diagnostic tool that plays a key role in detecting heart blockages and preventing heart attacks. If you're experiencing chest pain, breathlessness, or have risk factors for heart disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart problems, don’t delay seeking expert advice.

To know whether coronary angiography is right for you, consult Dr. Mehul Rathod, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist in Latur, for accurate diagnosis, compassionate care, and expert treatment.

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