Coronary Angiogram: What do you need to know?

What is Coronary Angiogram?

Coronary Angiogram, also known as a coronary arteriogram, is one of the methods used to diagnose and visualize coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. It is performed using a catheter, which is a long, thin, and flexible tube that is inserted into a blood vessel through the groin or arm and passed up to the heart and coronary arteries. X-ray machines will be used to take images of the coronary arteries. A contrast medium that is reflective under X-ray will be injected to help highlight the defective vessel in order to identify narrowed or blocked coronary vessels.

When do you need a Coronary Angiogram?

When patients have symptoms of malfunctioning heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, which is a blockage of coronary arteries by fat or other substances in the bloodstream and can cause angina, dull and tight chest pain, and heart attack, a coronary angiogram is recommended to diagnose the condition of coronary arteries. A coronary angiogram can also help diagnose heart defects not related to the blockade of coronary arteries including congenital heart disease, heart valve malfunctions, and cardiomyopathy.

Coronary Angiograms are also performed prior to certain treatments such as coronary angioplasty to widen coronary arteries, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) to divert the bloodstream across blocked arteries, and heart valve surgery to repair or replace heart valves. Some of these operations are also performed via catheterization, which can be performed during the coronary angiogram process.

How is a Coronary Angiogram being done?

Coronary Angiograms are typically performed by a team of cardiologists, cardiac technicians, and radiologists at a specialized heart center. Patients may also be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure. On the day of the procedure, an electrocardiogram machine will be attached to monitor your heart condition, and a local anesthetic will be administered at the site of catheter insertion.

Coronary Angiograms begin with a small incision in your groin or arm, followed by the insertion of a tube called a sheath to keep the blood vessel open. The catheter is then inserted and guided through blood vessels into the heart and coronary arteries with the help of X-rays. Once the catheter is in place, a contrast medium will be injected, followed by a series of X-ray images. If doctors decide to use a catheter for other treatments, they will be done after this phrase. When the procedure is completed, the catheter and sheath are removed and the insertion wound is closed. 

If no further treatment is required, the coronary angiogram procedure can be completed in a matter of hours. Coronary Angiograms are a relatively safe procedure with only minor side effects such as a metallic taste in your mouth while the contrast medium is being injected, and bleeding from the insertion wound. The only recommendation for most patients following surgery is to avoid baths for a day and to avoid sports or heavy lifting for 2-3 days.

Coronary Angiogram at Phyathai 1 International

Heart Center of Phyathai 1 International is ready to provide a coronary angiogram by our cardiovascular specialist with expertise in catheterization, using advanced state-of-the-art equipment to provide precise operation and diagnosis. Our specialists in catheterization are also ready to deliver advanced operations through catheterization including Balloon Septostomy, Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement (PAVR), Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), and placement of internal pacemaker and defibrillator.

If you considering a coronary angiogram or catheterization procedure, please consult with our specialist Heart Center, open daily from 6 am to 8 pm. To ensure the fastest procedure time, We recommend taking a reservation  by phone at number (+66)2-201-4600 ext.2347-48 or by E-mail at [email protected].