American Heart Month is all about educating ourselves and those around us about the importance of heart health. If you have been experiencing chest pain or issues related to your heart, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic procedure called a cardiac angiogram (also known as a catheter angiography). In this article, we will discuss what an angiogram is, how it works, what it’s used for, and any risks related to the procedure.
What is an angiogram?
A coronary angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to view blood vessels found in the heart. Angiograms are usually conducted to identify any restrictions in blood flowing toward one’s heart. The angiogram is categorized as a type of interventional radiology procedure that uses X-ray technology to guide a small tube through the patient’s major arteries. This imaging technique is the most common type within a larger group of procedures called cardiac catheterizations, which can help diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions.
How does angiography work?
During a coronary angiogram, your radiology technician will use a contrast dye that is injected into the blood vessels of your heart to make the vessels appear on the X-ray. Then, the X-ray machine rapidly takes a series of images (angiograms), creating images of your blood vessels. If necessary, your doctor or radiologist can also work to open clogged arteries in the heart during your coronary angiogram with an angioplasty.
Who needs a coronary angiogram?
Most of the time, your doctor will complete a series of non-invasive tests before he or she orders a cardiac angiogram. However, your doctor may also recommend that you have a coronary angiogram if you have:
Symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain (angina)
Pain in your chest, jaw, neck or arm.
Increasing chest pain
A congenital heart issue
Other blood vessel problems
A heart valve problem that requires surgery
Risks of a Cardiac Angiogram
Most procedures done on the heart and blood vessels inherently carry some risk. A coronary angiogram has some typical hazards, such as a small dose of ionizing radiation exposure from X-ray imaging. Severe risks or complications are rare, but can include:
Heart attack
Stroke
Injury to the catheterized artery
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Allergic reactions to the dye or medications used during the procedure
Kidney damage
Excessive bleeding
Infection
If you need to have a cardiac angiogram in the bay area, BICRAD has years of experience in performing quality imaging services, so you—and your heart—will be in the best hands.