Coronary Angiography

Before undergoing coronary angiography, patients are carefully evaluated to ensure they are fit for the procedure. Doctors typically review medical history, current medications, and existing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease. Blood tests, ECG, and sometimes chest X-rays are performed to assess overall health. Patients are advised to fast for a few hours before the procedure. Certain medications, especially blood thinners, may need to be adjusted based on medical advice. The insertion site, usually the wrist or groin, is cleaned and prepared. Proper counseling is provided to help patients understand the process, reducing anxiety and ensuring smooth cooperation during the procedure.

On the day of the procedure, the patient is taken to a specialized cardiac catheterization laboratory, commonly known as a cath lab. Local anesthesia is administered at the catheter insertion site, ensuring the patient remains comfortable while staying awake throughout the procedure. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually through the wrist (radial approach) or groin (femoral approach), and guided toward the heart. Once positioned, a contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries. This dye makes the arteries visible on X-ray images, allowing the cardiologist to identify any blockages or narrowing. The entire procedure typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. Patients may feel a brief warm sensation when the dye is injected, which is normal. Based on the findings, the doctor may immediately proceed with angioplasty if required or plan further treatment accordingly.

After the procedure, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. Patients are moved to a recovery area where vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are monitored closely. If the procedure is performed through the wrist, recovery is quicker, and patients can often sit up and walk within a few hours. In the case of the groin approach, patients may be advised to lie flat for several hours to avoid bleeding complications. Hydration is encouraged to help flush the contrast dye from the body. Most patients are discharged on the same day or within 24 hours, depending on their condition and the findings of the angiography.