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CARDIOLOGY & CATHETERISATION LABORATORY |
What Is An Angiogram?
An angiogram is a type of X-ray. It uses a special camera to look at the arteries that feed your heart with blood. An angiogram is a good way to find clogged or narrowed places in these arteries. Arteries can become blocked over time by a build up of fats and cholesterol called plaques. Narrowed arteries allow less blood and oxygen to reach the heart. When blood can't flow through your arteries, you may have chest pain know as angina. If the blood flow to the heart is totally blocked, a heart attack occurs.
What Happens In The Test?
- You will be asked to go to the heart catheterization laboratory
- You will lie on a firm table near a camera and other equipment
- The doctor will numb an area on your arm or groin, then insert a thin plastic tube called a catheter into an artery
- A special fluid will be injected to make the arteries of your heart show up clearly on the X-ray
- Several X-rays will be taken as the fluid goes in. You may be asked to hold your breath or cough
- You will be able to see the catheter, the movement of your heart and the outline of your arteries on the monitor, if you wish
How Will It Feel?
Many patients do not feel pain during the test. Others may feel:
- Pressure at the site where the doctor moves the catheter
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- A tingling, warm feeling when the fluid is injected
- The urge to pass urine as the fluid moves through the kidneys.
These are to be expected, but be sure to tell the doctor if you feel any severe discomfort during the test.
What Is Coronary Angioplasty or PTCA?
Angioplasty opens blocked arteries that supply blood to your heart. It is used when arteries become narrowed by a build up of fats and cholesterol called plaque. Then your heart does not get the blood it needs. That can cause chest pain and lead to a heart attack. In angioplasty, a tiny balloon is inflated in the blocked artery. This pushes the plaque against the artery walls and reopens the artery.
How Is Angioplasty Done?
- Doctor inserts a thin plastic tube or catheter into an artery in your leg or arm. The catheter is guided into the coronary arteries that feed the heart.
- The doctor watches on a special X-ray camera and guides the catheter to the narrow spot. Next, a smaller catheter with a tiny balloon tip goes through the first catheter.
- The balloon tip is inflated when it reaches the narrow part of the artery. The balloon pushes against the plaque to open the artery.
- Then the balloon is deflated and the catheters are taken out.
How Will It Feel?
- Angioplasty causes little pain. You will be awake while it happens which usually takes about 45 minutes. You will be given medicine to help you relax
- The doctor will numb the area where the catheter will be placed. You may feel some pressure as the catheter is moved around.
- After it is over, the doctor and nurses will watch you closely for several hours. You may stay in the hospital to rest for two or three days. The spot where the catheter was inserted may be a little sore.
How Long Does The Test Last?
That depends on the number of X-ray photos taken and what the doctor needs to look for on the angiogram. Normally the whole process takes between 1 to 3 hours.
What Happens After The Test?
The nurses or doctor will give you special instructions to follow. If you have chest pain or discomfort, or a tingly feeling at the catheter site, be sure to let the doctor know. Your doctor will tell you the results of the angiogram and talk with you about possible treatment if needed.
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