Coronary angiography: a vital investigation for your heart health
Coronary angiography is an essential medical procedure for diagnosing and treating heart conditions.
The Elytis Hospitalyou benefit from state-of-the-art technology and an experienced medical team dedicated to your cardiovascular health.
Find out more about what coronary angiography involves, when it's needed and what the benefits are.
What is coronary angiography?
Coronary angiography is a interventional cardiology minimally invasive procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing (stenosis) that prevent normal blood flow to the heart muscle.
Coronary angiography is performed using a contrast dye injected into an artery, usually in the wrist (radial artery). The contrast substance allows the coronary arteries to be visualized on a monitor, giving a detailed picture of their condition.
When is coronary angiography necessary?
Coronary angiography is recommended by your cardiologist in the following situations:
- Suspected coronary heart disease: chest pain (angina pectoris), shortness of breath, palpitations, excessive tiredness.
- Cardiovascular risk assessment: for patients with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol.
- Before surgery: to assess the condition of the coronary arteries in patients about to undergo surgery.
- Post-intervention monitoring: to check the effectiveness of a previous treatment or intervention (angioplasty, coronary bypass).
The decision to have a coronary angiogram is made after a complete cardiology evaluation, personalized for each patient.
Benefits of coronary angiography at Elytis Hospital
- Accurate diagnosis: Coronary angiography is the gold standard in the diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis, providing precise information about the condition of the coronary arteries.
- Minimally invasive procedure: the radial approach, through the artery in the wrist, reduces the risk of complications and allows a quick recovery.
- Comfortable and safe: the procedure is performed in Elytis Hospital's modern angiography room under permanent medical supervision. The patient is conscious throughout the investigation and can communicate with the medical team.
- Fast intervention: if significant stenoses are identified, coronary angioplasty with stenting can be performed in the same session, avoiding the need for a repeat operation.
- Elite medical team: at Elytis Hospital, you benefit from the experience and professionalism of a top medical team specialized in interventional cardiology.
How is coronary angiography performed at Elytis Hospital?
- Preparation: before the procedure, you will undergo a cardiology consultation and blood tests. It is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
- Anesthesia: local anesthesia is applied at the catheter insertion site (usually the wrist).
- Catheter insertion: a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into the artery and guided into the heart.
- Contrast injection: contrast is injected through a catheter, allowing visualization of the coronary arteries on the monitor.
- Visualization and diagnosis: the cardiologist examines the images and makes the diagnosis.
- Stent angioplasty (if necessary): if significant stenoses are identified, coronary angioplasty with stenting may be performed in the same session. This procedure involves dilating the artery with a balloon and implanting a stent (a small metal tube) to keep the artery open.
- Completing the procedure: the catheter is removed and a compression dressing is applied at the insertion site.
- Post-procedure monitoring: you will be monitored in the hospital for a few hours, after which you can go home.
Recovery after coronary angiography
Recovery after coronary angiography is generally quick and without complications. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and avoid strenuous exercise for a few days.
Coronarography at Elytis Hospital: exceptional care for your heart
The Elytis Hospitalwe emphasize the safety, comfort and speedy recovery of our patients. You benefit from:
- Cutting-edge medical technology: modern angiography room with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Experienced medical team: renowned interventional cardiologists dedicated to providing the best medical care.
- Personalized approach: individualized treatment plan, tailored to each patient's needs.
Don't delay your heart health!
Latest medical review:
26.02.2025, Dr. Matei Theodor Theodor Iulian - Medical Specialist
References:
- Collison, Damien, et. al. "Post-stenting fractional flow reserve vs coronary angiography for optimization of percutaneous coronary intervention (TARGET-FFR)". European Heart Journal, 2021, vol. 42, no. 45, pg. 4656 - 4668.
- Koutouzis, Michael, et. al. "Distal Versus Traditional Radial Approach for Coronary Angiography." Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine, 2019, vol. 20, no. 8, pg. 678 - 680.
- Lee, Jun-Won (Dr.), et. al. "Real-world experience of the left distal transradial approach for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective observational study (LeDRA)". EuroIntervention, 2018, vol. 14, no. 9.
- Stoica, Mihaela, et al. "Particularities of coronary angiography in patients with acute myocardial infarction and diabetes mellitus". Journal of Health Sciences of Moldova, 2022, vol. 29, no. 3.