Coronary angiography

Coronary angiography is used to examine the arteries of the heart to determine the exact location, type and extent of their narrowing. It is widely regarded as “the gold standard” in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, and plays a significant role in the detection and prevention of heart attacks. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic by experienced interventional radiologists and lasts between 15 and 20 minutes on average.

When have to do

Age over 40 years

Overweight

Hereditary predisposition

Cardiac angina

Ineffective medical treatment of coronary angiography

Smoking

Sedentary lifestyle

Atherosclerotic vascular disease

Cardiac arrhythmia

Scheduled open-heart surgery

Advantages

The procedure is carried out by highly qualified physicians

It is possible to carry out the procedure as a day patient, so the patient is discharged with the results on the day of treatment.

There is no age restriction

Throughout the procedure, the patient remains conscious under the supervision of an anaesthetist.

The occurrence of complications and side effects is exceedingly rare.

Method of implementation

A special catheter is administered to the patient under local anaesthetic to inject a contrast agent, which is carried by the blood flow to the coronary vessels. The process is recorded by a special X-ray machine called an angiograph. The results of the test help in diagnosing a disturbed circulation which can be caused by a blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels. The diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan are contingent upon the results of the examination. The treating physician will determine whether pharmacological therapy or operative therapy is the most appropriate course of action. In that case, the following treatments may be recommended: endovascular intervention (the installation of a stent, which is a metal strut that restores the vessel lumen (opening) from the inside), or surgical treatment (coronary bypass surgery). In the absence of contraindications, the stent is placed immediately after diagnostic coronary angiography.

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