What is Angiography?
Angiography is a diagnostic method frequently used in the medical field that allows for a detailed examination of the heart’s blood vessels. Medically known as angiography, it involves injecting a radio-opaque substance into the vessels, enabling clear visualization of the vessel structure with X-ray imaging devices. This procedure is performed to detect blockages or narrowings in the vessels. Angiography plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of problems that threaten heart health.
Why is the Angiography Procedure Performed?
The angiography procedure is typically performed when there is a deterioration, blockage, or narrowing in the structure of the vessels. The main reason is that these abnormalities, which impede normal blood flow, can lead to serious problems like heart attacks. Additionally, structural issues in the vessels can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. Angiography is one of the most reliable methods for identifying the underlying causes of these symptoms.
Imaging of Heart Vessels: The Main Purpose of Angiography
The primary purpose of angiography is to identify areas within the vessels that hinder or restrict blood flow. Heart vessels are critical structures that carry oxygen and nutrients to the body’s vital regions. If there is a blockage or narrowing in these vessels, angiography helps visualize the problem and formulate a potential intervention plan. This procedure allows for the early diagnosis of issues that can affect heart health.
In Which Situations is Angiography Necessary?
Angiography is especially preferred for patients who have experienced a heart attack or exhibit symptoms indicating heart problems, such as chest pain. Additionally, it can be applied to patients presenting with complaints like heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, and shortness of breath. Angiography may also be performed to monitor vascular health in individuals carrying risk factors.
Heart Attack and Angiography: The Role of Angiography in Emergency Intervention
A heart attack is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention. At this point, angiography allows for the rapid identification of the blockage’s location and enables intervention in the vessel. Thanks to angiography, a stent can be placed in a patient who has had a heart attack, or the vessel can be widened with a balloon. This emergency intervention is crucial and can be life-saving.
Chest Pain and Angiography: Use in Diagnosis and Treatment
Chest pain can be a precursor to a heart attack and is a serious symptom. If chest pain frequently recurs or intensifies, possible blockages or narrowings in the heart vessels are checked with angiography. This way, the correct treatment method is determined, and the patient’s condition can be stabilized.
Risk Factors: Who Should Undergo Angiography?
The angiography procedure is applied particularly to individuals carrying risk factors for heart disease. These risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease. In at-risk individuals, frequent monitoring of the vessels helps prevent potential heart attacks and other heart diseases.
Preparation Process Before Angiography
Patients undergo certain preparatory processes before angiography. Detailed information about the procedure is provided, and some tests are conducted. Blood tests, ECGs, and other assessments are important to evaluate the patient’s general health status before the procedure. Additionally, the patient’s medication use and allergies are carefully reviewed.
Informing the Patient: What to Know Before Angiography
Before angiography, the patient is informed about the procedure and potential side effects. They are told what they may feel during the procedure, how long it will take, and what results are expected. This helps the patient adapt more comfortably to the process and minimize anxiety.
Diet and Medication Use Before Angiography
Patients are generally asked to fast before angiography. It is recommended that they avoid eating for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure. Additionally, some medications may need to be discontinued before angiography. Specifically, the doctor will inform the patient about blood-thinning medications and make the necessary adjustments.
How is Angiography Performed?
The angiography procedure is performed in a sterile environment. A catheter is usually inserted into the vessel through the groin or arm region under local anesthesia. Through the catheter, a radio-opaque substance is injected into the vessels, allowing them to be clearly visualized. The entire procedure is monitored with X-ray devices, and any blockages are detected.
Methods Used in the Angiography Procedure
Angiography is generally performed using two main methods: accessing the vessel through the groin region or the arm region. The difference between these methods lies solely in the entry point. In both methods, the procedure progresses similarly, yielding the same results. Angiography performed through the arm is often preferred because the recovery process is faster.
Angiography Through the Groin and Arm: Different Approaches
Angiography performed via the groin is the classic method and has been used for many years. However, in recent years, angiography through the arm has become more widespread. This approach is less invasive, and the patient’s mobility returns more quickly after the procedure. Additionally, the risk of bleeding is lower compared to the groin approach.
What Happens During Angiography?
The angiography procedure consists of several stages. First, local anesthesia is administered. Then, the catheter is inserted, and the radio-opaque substance is injected. This substance allows the vessels to be visualized. Finally, images are taken, and the doctor evaluates the condition of the vessels.
What Does the Patient Feel During the Procedure?
During angiography, the patient usually does not feel pain. Due to the local anesthesia, there may be a slight pressure sensation at the entry site. A warm sensation may occur in the body when the radio-opaque substance is injected, but this feeling is short-lived and not disturbing.
How Long Does the Angiography Procedure Take?
The angiography procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour. However, this duration may vary depending on the patient’s vascular structure and the extent of any blockage. After the procedure, the patient may need to be observed for a while.
What Happens After Angiography?
After angiography, the patient needs to rest and be monitored for several hours. Pressure is applied to the entry site to prevent bleeding, and the patient is advised to remain still. Additionally, the patient is closely observed for any risk of post-procedure complications.
Recovery Process and Hospital Stay After the Procedure
Depending on the patient’s condition, they may need to stay in the hospital for 4-6 hours after angiography. If a stent was placed or another intervention performed during the procedure, the hospital stay may be extended. In a standard angiography procedure, the patient can usually be discharged the same day.
Risks and Side Effects After Angiography
One of the most common side effects after angiography is bleeding and bruising. Slight swelling and bruising at the entry site are considered normal. Rarely, serious complications such as vascular damage, infection, or allergic reactions may occur.
Bleeding and Bruising: Mild Side Effects Post-Procedure
Mild side effects like bleeding and bruising are frequently observed after the angiography procedure. These effects usually occur at the entry site and resolve on their own within a few days. Patients are advised to keep the area clean and dry during this period.
Precautions After Angiography
Post-procedure, patients are recommended to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activities for a few days. Care should be taken to prevent bleeding at the entry site, and medications prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly.
Returning to Daily Life After Angiography
Patients can generally resume their normal daily activities within one or two days after angiography. However, this period may vary depending on the type of procedure performed and the patient’s overall health condition.
