What is angiography?

An angiogram (also called cardiac catheterization) is a test to diagnose heart diseases. The doctor who performed the procedure will discuss the care to follow. They may differ from those described here, as it will be designed to meet your personal needs. Angiography Angiography or cardiac catheterization is a procedure that helps diagnose heart disease. It involves placing a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a vein in the groin or wrist. This goes to the heart tube and a special dye is injected through the catheter so that it can more clearly see the image of the heart by x-ray

Through angiography you can determine if the blood vessels of the heart are narrowed or blocked and, if so, where and to what extent are affected. In turn, you can see how the heart pumps blood.

This can be done in adults, children and even newborn babies.

If you are pregnant, you are advised to angiography was not performed, because radiation is a risk to the developing baby. If state or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before your appointment. This will offer alternatives to the procedure.

Diagnosis

Symptoms such as lack of oxygen, chest pain, dizziness, fainting and palpitations may indicate that you have a heart problem. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are usually diagnosed and treated by a medical specialist known as cardiologist.

preparation

Your doctor will explain how to prepare for surgery. For example, you are asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, two days before undergoing angiography. It will also be necessary to shave the groin area.

You will be asked not to eat or drink anything a few hours before the test.

Generally, angiography is performed in a day under local anesthesia. This completely blocks the area where the catheter through the blood vessel (in the groin or wrist) in and be awake during the entire procedure. You will be given a sedative to relieve anxiety and help you relax.

The doctor will explain in detail what will happen before, during and after the operation, and will discuss any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and will help to question the potential risks, benefits and alternatives to the test. Therefore, it can be properly informed and consenting.

Procedure

Generally, angiography is performed within 30 minutes.

A cardiologist, a specialist in cardiac physiology or radiologist will perform the test. In turn, a nurse will be there during the procedure.

Will connect a heart monitor to record heart rate and heart rhythm during the test. Talk to the nurse or nurse any possible discomfort you may feel.

You will be asked to lie on a stretcher and will be an X-ray machine above your chest. They will inject local anesthetic into the area where the catheter will be inserted into the blood vessel.

The doctor will insert the catheter through the artery in the groin or, less often, by the wrist, and carried through the blood vessel to the entrance of the coronary arteries. The medical team will take X-ray images of your heart and you can observe through a monitor. When the catheter reaches the right place, it injected through it a special dye, as discussed above. Thus, the doctor can check carefully whether there is any narrowing of blood vessels or a heart problem.

You will not feel the catheter into the artery, but when dye is injected in, you may have a slight feeling of heat or burning.

The catheter is removed when the test completes. The nurse / a Firm pressure at the site where the catheter was inserted for at least 10 minutes, or will clog the area with a bit of collagen, called angio-seal, which help seal the blood vessel. This product is dissolved between 60 and 90 days.

Results

I will need to stay for a few hours shortened so that the blood vessels are sealed properly. Regularly nurse will check your blood pressure, your heart rate and the area where the catheter was inserted.

The test results to the doctor who ordered it done together with a report will be sent. It is possible that the results can be given soon after completing the procedure.

Recovery

Try to rest the day and do not do any heavy work in the following days.

Sedation temporarily affect coordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents generally at least until they pass a minimum of 24 hours. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Risks

Angiography is a safe test. However, in order to take a fully informed decision and give your consent, you need to know the possible side effects and complications that may arise.

Secondary effects

They are undesirable but temporary that may appear to undergo the procedure in question effects. Possible side effects of angiography, we can highlight:

- Chest pain or mild oscillating pulse during and immediately after undergoing the test.

- Bruising and / or swelling in the entrance area of ​​the catheter.

Complications

When problems occur during or after the procedure. Most people are not affected. Possible complications that can occur angiography include bleeding during or after the test, an unexpected infection and reaction to anesthesia.

Other less common complications include:

- Allergic to the dye-there are medications available to treat this reaction.

- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) -that can occur if the blood vessel is damaged and may eventually needed surgery in the area to drain blood.

- Damage to blood vessels leading to the heart-that requires emergency surgery to repair.

- A heart attack or stroke -raramente, the catheter tip can dislodge a blood clot or fat in the blood vessel wall. There is a risk that locks in blood supply to the heart or brain, triggering a heart attack or stroke.

The specific risks vary from one person to another, so we have not included statistics. Ask your doctor about the possible risks that may suffer personally.

Frequent questions

The same procedure is performed on an angiogram for children?

The procedure is exactly the same but is usually performed under general anesthesia.

EXPLANATION

Generally, angiography is performed under general anesthesia in young children because it is important to remain still during the procedure, and may scare a small child with the test.

The child will have to remain fasting without food or drink at least six hours before the test. However, it is important to follow instructions to dial the doctor. Often the test is done in the morning so that the child is left without breakfast only.

What kind of dye used during angiography?

It is a colorless liquid called "contrast agent" and generally contains iodine. It appears as a dark shadow in the X-ray images

EXPLANATION

It is difficult to see the heart and blood vessels using x-ray contrast agents (also called contrast or dye) used during the test to highlight the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, thus facilitating their vision.

The dye used in angiography is usually composed of iodine. Contrast agents based on iodine are transparent and harmless liquids are then excreted in the urine or feces. However, they carry a small risk of allergic reaction, so it is important to tell your doctor about any allergies you may have, especially seafood.

As the contrast agent reaches the heart, you can feel warm or irregular heartbeats. In turn, you may feel a metallic taste in the mouth, dizziness, nausea and itching. Generally, these symptoms are mild and disappear quickly. However, it is important to tell the doctor or nurse if any of these symptoms at any time.

The contrast agents can cause problems if you have kidney failure. Remember the cardiologist if you have kidney problems using other dye. These contrast agents can also cause kidney problems in people taking metformin, a common treatment in diabetes occasionally.

Why should I take aspirin before undergo angiography?

Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding during and after the test.

EXPLANATION

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medicine and is widely used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and fever. It dilute blood to better reach blood vessels. However, easily prevents blood clot when bleeding occurs.

You may send your doctor will take a low dose of aspirin to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, you are asked to stop taking aspirin two days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding during and immediately after the test.

If you take anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, they ask you to stop taking them.

Your doctor will explain how to prepare for the test performed, so it is important to follow their advice