Reasons for Angiography
Angiography is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs, particularly the arteries, veins, and heart chambers. Reasons for angiography include:
- Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): To detect blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries.
- Assessment of Chest Pain: To determine if chest pain is related to heart problems.
- Evaluation of Heart Attack Damage: To assess the extent of damage after a heart attack.
- Pre-Surgical Evaluation: To plan for procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or angioplasty.
- Aneurysm Detection: To identify aneurysms in blood vessels.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): To diagnose blockages in arteries of the legs or arms.
- Renal Artery Stenosis: To assess blood flow to the kidneys.
Risks in Angiography
While angiography is generally safe, there are potential risks, including:
- Allergic Reaction: To the contrast dye used during the procedure.
- Bleeding or Bruising: At the catheter insertion site.
- Infection: At the catheter insertion site.
- Blood Vessel Damage: From the catheter.
- Heart Attack or Stroke: Rare but possible complications due to the procedure.
- Kidney Damage: From the contrast dye, especially in people with pre-existing kidney problems.
- Radiation Exposure: Small risk from the X-rays used during the procedure.
Precautions for Angiography
- Allergy Check: Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to contrast dye or iodine.
- Kidney Function Assessment: Ensure good kidney function before the procedure.
- Medication Review: Discuss all medications with your doctor, as some may need to be stopped before the procedure.
- Fasting: Typically, patients are required to fast for several hours before the procedure.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids after the procedure to help flush out the contrast dye.
- Monitoring: Close monitoring of vital signs and the insertion site after the procedure.
Treatments following Angiography
Lifestyle Changes: Dietary adjustments, exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
Medications
- Antiplatelet Drugs: To prevent blood clots.
- Statins: To lower cholesterol levels.
- Beta-Blockers: To manage heart rate and blood pressure.
- ACE Inhibitors: To lower blood pressure and reduce heart strain.
