What are the things you should know about coronary angiograms in the Philippines?
- Used To Identify Blockages In Blood Vessels
- Coronary Angiogram Is Done In A Cath Lab
- Coronary Angiogram Procedure
- Post Coronary Angiogram Procedure
- The Results of Coronary Angiogram
If you are experiencing unexplained chest pain and exhibit other symptoms of heart disease, a coronary angiogram in the Philippines at Las Pinas Hospitals can be done to ensure you are healthy. This procedure can help your doctor check for any anomalies that could potentially cause a heart attack. The best part about a coronary angiogram is that it will typically take 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
A coronary angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that provides detailed x-ray pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. It uses a type of dye that is injected into the blood vessels and the x-ray machine takes a series of images (angiograms) to know about your heart health. Continue reading on to learn more about this.
Used To Identify Blockages In Blood Vessels
A coronary angiogram will identify blockages in the vessels that carry blood to your heart. These blockages can result in chest discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, and other heart defects.
If there is a blockage seen on the results, interventional cardiologists can determine exactly which arteries are blocked and how severe the blockages are. Through this procedure, your interventional cardiologist will be able to recommend the best treatment options.
Coronary Angiogram Is Done In A Cath Lab
A coronary angiogram is also known as catheter arteriography or cardiac catheterization. Oftentimes, an MRI or a CT scan will be performed before the test itself. An interventional cardiologist will perform the coronary angiogram.
Before the procedure, you may be asked to stop taking certain medicines and stop eating anything for several hours. Your bladder must be empty and you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
A coronary angiogram is done in a cath lab. You will be asked to lie down on an examination table. An IV line will be inserted into a vein in your arm to help you relax.
Coronary Angiogram Procedure
You will be given a mild sedative to numb the upper leg or wrist area, although you will be awake through the procedure. A small amount of dye will be injected through a catheter into the numbed area. This is what will outline your heart’s arteries and reveal blockages. Take note that the initial needle prick and slight tingling from the dye will be the only sensations you feel throughout the procedure.
Having a coronary angiogram will take about one hour, although preparation and post-procedure care can add more time.
Post Coronary Angiogram Procedure
After the procedure, pressure may be applied from where the catheter is removed to prevent bleeding. If the catheter is placed on your upper leg, you may be asked to lie flat on your back for a few minutes after the test.
Some feel minor discomfort in their chest, lightheadedness, or nausea after the procedure. For this reason, your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and wound site would be monitored. Since a mild sedative was used, it is ideal to arrange for someone to give you a ride home.
You may be discharged to go home up to six hours after the coronary angiogram. Additionally, you may notice a bruise in the area where the doctor inserted the catheter. This will normally clear up over a period of one to three weeks. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several days to recover fully.
Visit your doctor as soon as possible if you experience the following:
- Bleeding, drainage, or painful swelling at the catheter insertion site
- Swelling or weakness and/or numbness at the catheter insertion site
- Fever
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
- Difficulty speaking, smiling or weakness of the arm and leg
The Results of Coronary Angiogram
Once the procedure is completed, the results will help your doctor pinpoint if there is a normal blood supply to your heart and if there are any problems in your blood vessels. This can also pinpoint where the blockages are, and how much blood flow is blocked.
Knowing all these will help your doctor determine the best treatment option and how much of a concern your heart condition poses to your health. If you have a blocked artery, you would benefit from having a coronary angioplasty and stenting. It is possible for these procedures to be during the coronary angiogram itself to immediately improve blood flow.
Key Takeaway
If you want to guarantee your heart health, you can have your coronary angiogram in the Philippines. This can alleviate chest pain symptoms and treat your coronary artery disease.
At Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas, one of our Heart and Vascular Institute expertise is Cardio Intervention. As one of the few hospitals with two fully equipped CathLabs, we have a highly trained team of interventional cardiologists, medical surgeons, nurses and technologists capable of performing advanced and complex cardiovascular coronary interventional procedures, such as CTO-PCI, PDA-Device Closure, Peripheral Stenting.
Click here to inquire more about our coronary angiogram in the Philippines or visit us at Alabang-Zapote Rd., Pamplona III Las Pinas City, Philippines 1740.