A coronary angiogram is simply a test that uses X-rays to look at the heart’s blood vessels, called the coronary arteries. Angiography is usually done to check if a blood vessel is narrowed or blocked. A coronary angiogram is most often used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
It is worth mentioning that coronary angiogram is part of a general group of heart tests and treatments commonly referred to as cardiac catheterization. Cardiac catheterization uses one or more thin flexible tubes, called catheters.
The tubes are placed within the major blood vessels of the body and the heart with the test requiring a small cut in the skin. During angiography, a treatment called angioplasty and stenting can be done to open any blocked arteries in your heart.
At times, a computerized tomography (CT) machine is used to look at the heart’s blood vessels. This type of angiogram doesn’t need tubes placed inside the done and may be done to determine if someone needs cardiac catheterization. A narrowing or blockage in the vessels can’t be treated during a CT angiogram. If the test shows a blocked or narrowed artery, the catheter type of coronary angiogram must be done.
Remember, angiography involves the blood vessels and heart. For this reason, there are some risks involved. The good news is that major complications are rare. Possible risks and complications may include; blood vessel injury, excessive bleeding, heart attack, infection, and irregular heart rhythms.
So, how do you prepare yourself for angiography? Well, you should not eat or drink anything for several hours before the test. Your care team tells you what time you need to stop eating and drinking.
You should ask if you can take your regular medicines. Take a list of your medicines with you to the hospital and include their dosages. Moreover, you should tell your care team if you have diabetes. You may need insulin or another medicine before a coronary angiogram.
During a coronary angiogram, you lie on your back on a table. Straps go across your chest and legs to keep you safely on the table. A healthcare professional places an IV into a vein in your forearm or hand. Sedative goes through the IV to help you feel relaxed and calm during the test or treatment. It may make you feel sleepy during a coronary angiogram.
