A coronary angiogram is an imaging test that uses x-rays to see inside the heart and its major blood vessels. It is an effective way to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a condition that affects the heart’s blood supply.
How the procedure works
The procedure begins with a small injection of a contrast dye into the patient’s arm. This dye is used to highlight the coronary arteries on the x-ray images. The patient is then placed on a table and transferred to a scanner for the angiogram.
During the procedure, the cardiologist uses a thin tube called a catheter to insert into the patient’s artery and guide the contrast dye to the heart. As the contrast dye passes through the coronary arteries, the cardiologist uses x-ray images to monitor the flow of blood and identify any blockages or narrowing of the arteries.
What happens if a blocakge is found?
If any blockages or narrowing are found, the cardiologist may recommend additional treatments, such as stenting or balloon angioplasty, to open the blocked artery and improve blood flow to the heart. In some cases, the cardiologist may also recommend medications to reduce inflammation and improve the condition of the coronary arteries.
Overall, the coronary angiogram is an important procedure to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease. It allows doctors to see the condition of the coronary arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing that may be causing CAD. This information can then be used to create a tailored treatment plan that can help the patient manage their condition and reduce their risk of future heart problems.
