Angiography
Angiography is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the inside of blood vessels, particularly arteries, veins, and the chambers of the heart. It is a crucial diagnostic tool in cardiology that helps doctors detect blockages or abnormalities in the blood vessels that supply the heart.
During an angiography procedure, a special dye, or contrast material, is injected into the bloodstream through a catheter. This dye makes the blood vessels visible on X-ray images. The resulting images, called angiograms, allow doctors to see the flow of blood and identify any narrowing, blockages, or other issues that may be affecting the heart’s blood supply.
Common Uses of Angiography:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): To detect blockages in the coronary arteries that could lead to a heart attack.
- Angioplasty Planning: To guide interventions such as angioplasty or stent placement.
- Assessment of Heart Function: To evaluate the functioning of heart chambers and valves.
- Diagnosis of Aneurysms: To detect abnormal enlargements or bulges in blood vessels.
Procedure: Angiography is typically performed in a hospital’s catheterization lab. The patient is usually awake but sedated. A catheter is inserted through an artery in the groin, arm, or wrist and guided to the area of interest. The procedure is generally safe, with minimal risks, such as bleeding or allergic reactions to the contrast dye.
After the Procedure: Patients may be required to lie flat for several hours to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site. Most can return to normal activities within a day, although some may need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation.
Angiography provides critical information for diagnosing and treating heart conditions, allowing doctors to make informed decisions about patient care.
