Angiography Procedure in Delhi, India

Angiography is a specialised medical imaging procedure used to examine blood vessels in various body parts, such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs. It involves using contrast dye and X-ray technology to detect blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities in the arteries and veins.

This procedure is important in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, identifying aneurysms, and guiding treatment plans, such as angioplasty or stent placement.

Types of Angiography

Different types of angiography are performed depending on the area of the body being examined:

1. Coronary Angiography

Evaluates blood flow in the heart’s arteries to diagnose coronary artery disease.

2. Cerebral Angiography

Examines blood vessels in the brain to detect aneurysms, strokes, or tumours.

3. Peripheral Angiography

Assesses circulation in the arms and legs, often used to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD).

4. Pulmonary Angiography

Checks blood flow in the lungs to detect conditions like pulmonary embolism.

5. Renal Angiography

Examines blood supply to the kidneys, helpful in diagnosing hypertension and kidney disorders.

Why is Angiography Done?

Angiography is recommended to diagnose and evaluate various medical conditions, including:

• Blocked or narrowed arteries: Identifies reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup.
• Brain Aneurysms: Detects weakened blood vessel walls at risk of rupture.
• Congenital vascular abnormalities: Helps identify birth-related blood vessel defects.
• Heart attack and stroke risk: Determines cardiovascular risks and assists in preventive measures.
• Blood clots: Detects clot formations that may lead to severe complications.

Without angiography, delayed diagnosis may result in serious complications, including heart attacks, strokes, or organ damage.

Preparation for Angiography

Before undergoing angiography, specific guidelines must be followed:

Fasting

Patients are usually advised not to eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure.

Medication adjustments

Certain blood thinners and diabetes medications may need to be paused.

Hydration

Drinking water before the test may help flush out the contrast dye after the procedure.

Allergy assessment

Patients with a history of iodine or contrast dye allergies should inform their doctor.

Clothing and personal items

Loose clothing is recommended, and jewellery should be removed.

Angiography Procedure

Preparation

The patient lies on an X-ray table, and a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the wrist or groin.

Injection of Contrast Dye

A special dye is injected through the catheter to highlight blood vessels on X-ray images.

X-ray Imaging

Multiple X-ray images or fluoroscopy captures real-time visuals of blood flow.

Completion and Removal

The catheter is carefully removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.

The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.

Risks and Complications of Angiography

Although angiography is a relatively safe procedure, potential risks include:

• Allergic reaction to contrast dye: Symptoms may include rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
• Bleeding or bruising: Some discomfort may occur at the catheter insertion site.
• Infection: Rare but possible at the puncture site.
• Blood vessel damage: In very rare cases, the catheter may injure an artery.
• Kidney issues: Contrast dye may affect kidney function, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease.

After Angiography: Recovery and Care

Monitoring

Patients are observed for a few hours to ensure there are no complications.

Activity restrictions

Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 24-48 hours.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out the contrast dye.

Medications

Blood thinners or other prescribed medications may need to be adjusted.

Follow-up appointments

Patients should schedule follow-ups to review results and discuss further treatment if needed.

Results and Interpretation

• Normal results: Blood vessels show no significant blockages or abnormalities.
• Mild narrowing: May require lifestyle changes and medication.
• Severe blockages: Interventions like angioplasty, stenting, or surgery may be necessary.

A team of radiologists and cardiologists specialists carefully analyses the angiography images and provides recommendations for further management.

Benefits and Importance of Angiography

• Accurate diagnosis: Provides precise visualisation of blood vessel conditions.
• Timely treatment: Helps in planning procedures like stent placement or bypass surgery.
• Minimally invasive: Compared to open surgery, it has a shorter recovery period.
• Prevention of complications: Early detection can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Conclusion

Angiography is a vital diagnostic tool for detecting vascular conditions and guiding appropriate treatments. With advanced medical technologies, this procedure has become safer and more effective in preventing life-threatening complications. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the necessity and benefits of angiography based on individual health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How soon can regular activities be resumed after angiography?

Most individuals can return to light activities within 24 hours, but heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for a few days.

2. Can angiography be performed on children?

Yes, but only when necessary. Pediatric angiography is usually done under special precautions, often using lower doses of contrast dye.

3. What lifestyle changes should be made after undergoing angiography?

A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and medication adherence are recommended to prevent further vascular issues.

4. Is angiography used to diagnose lung conditions?

Yes, pulmonary angiography is used to detect conditions like pulmonary embolism, which involves blood clotting in the lungs.

5. How is angiography different from interventional procedures like angioplasty?

Angiography is a diagnostic test, while angioplasty is a treatment procedure that involves opening blocked arteries using a balloon or stent.

Related Blogs

• Coronary Angiography & Angioplasty: Key Heart Disease Procedures
• 7 Key Facts to Understand About Cardiac Stress Test
• Heart Specialist vs Cardiologist: Key Differences
• Angina Symptoms: Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
• Heart Failure Symptoms in Women vs. Men
• Who is a Nephrologist?
• 7 Things To Avoid For a Healthy Kidney
• Dietary Changes You Can Make To Improve Your Kidney Health
• Heart Attack Symptoms
• Warning Signs of Lung Disease You Must Not Ignore
• Types of Cardiovascular Accidents
• Diet After Heart Bypass Surgery: What to eat and Avoid?
• Heart Attack Prevention - Exercise, Health Checkup & Diet
• Foods That Boost Heart Health: What to Eat and What to Avoid