What are Angiogram (CAG)
A coronary angiogram, also known as a cardiac catheterization or coronary angiography, is a diagnostic procedure usedto visualize the blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. It helps assess the presence of any blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries and provides valuable information about the heart's blood flow.
Symptoms
- Your stress test or electrocardiogram (EKG) wasn’t normal.
- Your provider diagnoses you with a heart attack, a problem with a heart valve, or heart failure.
- You have heart surgery coming up and your provider thinks you may have coronary artery diseases.
- You have chest pain (angina) that recently started or has changed in some way.
- You’re having unusual chest discomfort or shortness of breath, but other tests don’t show anything wrong.
Procedures
Preparations: Before the procedure, you will be asked to change into a
hospital gown, and an intravenous (IV) line may be inserted to
administer medications and fluids during the procedure. You will be
connected to monitoring equipment to track your heart rate, blood
pressure, and oxygen levels.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed in a specialized cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab). You will be given local anesthesia at the site where the catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will be inserted, usually in the groin or wrist area. In some cases, mild sedation may also be given to help you relax during the procedure.
- Insertion of the Catheter: Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the interventional cardiologist or a trained nurse will insert the catheter into a blood vessel (usually the femoral artery in the groin or the radial artery in the wrist). The catheter is then carefully guided through the blood vessels to the coronary arteries
- Contrast Injection: Once the catheter is in the coronary arteries, a special contrast dye is injected through the catheter. The contrast dye is visible on X-ray images, allowing the cardiologist to see the blood flow and detect any blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.
- X-ray Imaging: As the contrast dye flows through the coronary arteries, X-ray images (angiograms) are taken. These images provide a detailed view of the coronary arteries' structure and any potential abnormalities, such as blockages or plaque buildup.
- Assessment and Intervention: If any significant blockages or narrowing (coronary artery disease) are identified during the angiogram, the cardiologist may perform further interventions during the same procedure. Common interventions include angioplasty, where a small balloon is inflated to open a blocked artery, and stent placement, where a mesh-like metal tube is inserted to keep the artery open.
- Post-procedure Care: After the angiogram, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. You will be transferred to a recovery area, where you will be closely monitored for a brief period. Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two after the procedure.
Advantages
- Improved Heart Function: CRT-D devices deliver synchronized pacing to both ventricles of the heart, which helps resynchronize their contractions. This leads to improved coordination of the heart's pumping action, resulting in enhanced heart function. With better pumping efficiency, the heart can deliver more oxygenated blood to the body's organs and tissues, improving overall health and well-being.
- Symptom Relief: By improving heart function, CRT-D can alleviate symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Individuals may experience increased energy levels and improved exercise tolerance, allowing them to engage in daily activities with less effort and discomfort.
- Reduced Hospitalizations: CRT-D therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalizations related to heart failure exacerbations. By stabilizing heart function and preventing life-threatening arrhythmias, CRT-D can help reduce the need for urgent medical interventions and hospital stays.
- Synchronized Heart Rhythms: The synchronized pacing delivered by the CRT-D device helps ensure that the heart's atria and ventricles work together more efficiently. This coordination helps prevent irregular heart rhythms and ensures optimal blood flow throughout the body
- Life-Saving Defibrillation: One of the critical features of a CRT-D is its ability to deliver electrical shocks (defibrillation) to terminate life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. This intervention can prevent sudden cardiac arrest and potentially save the individual's life.
- Antitachycardia Pacing: In addition to defibrillation, the CRT-D can deliver rapid pacing pulses (antitachycardia pacing) to try to correct ventricular tachycardia without delivering a shock. This can be less uncomfortable for the patient and help restore normal heart rhythm more efficiently
- Remote Monitoring: Many CRT-D devices offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing healthcare providers to check the device's function and detect any irregularities from a distance. This feature can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits and enhance the efficiency of healthcare management.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing heart failure symptoms and reducing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, CRT-D can significantly improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with heart failure.
- Long-term Survival Benefits: Studies have shown that CRT-D therapy is associated with improved longterm survival rates for individuals with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony, compared to those receiving traditional heart failure treatments alone.
Life with coronary angiogram
Life with a coronary angiogram is generally straightforward and typically
involves minimal disruption to daily activities. The coronary angiogram itself
is a diagnostic procedure that allows healthcare providers to visualize the
coronary arteries and assess blood flow to the heart. It is often performed
to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) or other heart conditions. Here's
what you can expect during and after a coronary angiogram:
- Before the Procedure: Prior to the coronary angiogram, your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions, which may include fasting (not eating or drinking) for a certain period before the test. You may also need to temporarily discontinue certain medications before the procedure. Make sure to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
- During the Procedure: The coronary angiogram is typically performed in a cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab). You will be given local anesthesia at the site where the catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will be inserted, usually in the groin or wrist area. In some cases, mild sedation may be administered to help you relax during the procedure. The catheter is guided to the coronary arteries, and a contrast dye is injected to visualize the blood flow. The procedure is usually completed within an hour or two.
- Post-Procedure: After the coronary angiogram, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be closely monitored for a brief period. You may be asked to lie flat for several hours to reduce the risk of bleeding at the catheter insertion site. Once the healthcare team determines that you are stable, you will be allowed to rest and may receive instructions about resuming normal activities.
- Recovery: In most cases, patients can resume normal activities within a day or two after the procedure. However, you should avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a short period after the angiogram. The insertion site may be slightly sore or bruised, but this discomfort usually resolves quickly.
- Results and Follow-up: Your healthcare provider will review the angiogram images to assess the condition of your coronary arteries. If any blockages or other issues are identified, your provider will discuss the results with you and recommend appropriate treatment options if necessary.
- Monitoring Heart Health: Depending on the results of the coronary angiogram and your heart health, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or further interventions to manage any identified heart conditions or risk factors.
Includes
- Anaesthesia
Procedure Fee : ₹45000 ₹49500 (Inclusive of all charges)
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