The Coronary Angiogram is a specialised procedure to determine the health of the coronary arteries. These are the vital arteries supplying blood to the heart.
Procedure Details
How is the Coronary Angiogram Performed?
- The procedure typically takes place either through the groin, wrist, or the anterior part of the elbow, with a preference for the right side.
- Local anaesthesia is applied for the patient's comfort.
- A fine catheter is inserted up to the root of the aorta, which is a primary artery.
- A contrast agent is then injected directly into the coronary arteries, and images are captured during this process.
- Patients typically do not experience any pain during the procedure.
Purpose of the Procedure:
- The main objective is to identify any obstructions in the coronary arteries.
- The procedure also offers insights into the severity of any detected blockages.
Potential Risks and Complications:
While the procedure is generally safe, there are rare risks associated with it:
- Stroke occurrence is about 0.2%.
- A mortality rate of 0.1%, commonly in critically unstable patients.
- Bleeding at the puncture site, which occurs in less than 2% of cases. However, it is usually manageable.
Alternative Diagnostic Procedures:
A Computerised Tomographic Angiogram, employing a multislice technique, can be considered as an alternative approach.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
The procedure is best suited for patients exhibiting:
- Acute coronary syndromes such as the onset of angina, unstable angina, or heart attacks.
- Significant valvular heart conditions.
- Diagnosed heart muscle diseases, necessitating a check for coronary artery disease.
- Individuals who have experienced sudden death but survived.
