Angiography: When and Why It's Needed | Dr. Mahesh Kharade

Heart diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in preventing severe complications like heart attacks and strokes. One of the most effective diagnostic tools in cardiology is angiography—a specialized imaging technique that helps visualize the blood vessels in the heart.

Dr. Mahesh Kharade, a Consultant & Interventional Cardiologist in Wakad, Pune, explains the importance of angiography, when it is needed, and how it helps in diagnosing and managing heart conditions.

Angiography: When and Why It's Needed | Dr. Mahesh Kharade

What is Angiography?

Coronary angiography is a medical imaging procedure used to check for blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It is performed using contrast dye and X-ray imaging to get a clear view of the blood flow in the arteries.

This procedure helps cardiologists assess heart health and determine whether further interventions, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, are required.

When is Angiography Needed?

Angiography is recommended in the following situations:

1. Chest Pain (Angina)

Persistent chest pain, especially during physical activity, may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart due to blocked arteries. Angiography helps determine the severity and location of blockages.

2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Patients experiencing a heart attack require immediate diagnosis and treatment. Angiography helps identify the blocked artery, allowing for angioplasty or stenting to restore blood flow.

3. Abnormal Stress Test or ECG Results

If a patient’s electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test shows irregularities, angiography can confirm whether there are underlying coronary artery problems.

4. Unexplained Shortness of Breath

If a person experiences breathlessness without an obvious cause, it could be due to reduced heart function caused by blockages in the coronary arteries.

5. High Risk of Heart Disease

Patients with a strong family history of heart disease, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, hypertension, or smoking habits may undergo angiography as a preventive measure.

6. Heart Failure Symptoms

Symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the legs, and dizziness could indicate reduced heart efficiency due to blocked arteries, warranting an angiographic evaluation.

How is Angiography Performed?

Angiography is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a cardiac catheterization lab (Cath Lab). Here’s what happens during the procedure:

Preparation: The patient is given a mild sedative to relax. A numbing agent is applied at the catheter insertion site, usually in the wrist or groin.
Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery and guided toward the heart.
Contrast Dye Injection: A special dye is injected through the catheter, making the coronary arteries visible on X-ray imaging.
Image Analysis: The cardiologist examines the X-ray images to check for blockages or narrowing in the arteries.
Decision on Treatment: If significant blockages are found, immediate procedures like angioplasty and stenting may be performed to restore blood flow.

The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Patients may return home the same day or require a short hospital stay for monitoring.

Is Angiography Safe?

Angiography is generally a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries minimal risks such as:

Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
Allergic reaction to the contrast dye (rare)
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) (temporary)
Minor risk of infection or blood vessel damage

These risks are minimal when performed by an experienced cardiologist like Dr. Mahesh Kharade, ensuring patient safety and accurate diagnosis.

What Happens After Angiography?

After the procedure:

Patients are observed for a few hours before being discharged.
Rest is advised for a day, with a gradual return to normal activities.
If blockages are detected, additional treatment such as angioplasty, stenting, or medication adjustments may be recommended.

Lifestyle Changes for Heart Health

Regardless of angiography results, maintaining heart health is crucial. Dr. Mahesh Kharade recommends:

Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
Regular exercise to maintain cardiovascular fitness
Managing stress through meditation and relaxation techniques
Avoiding smoking and alcohol to reduce heart disease risk
Monitoring blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels regularly

Angiography is a vital diagnostic tool in cardiology, helping detect and assess coronary artery disease at an early stage. It plays a crucial role in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and severe cardiac complications.

If you have symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or unexplained fatigue, consult a cardiologist like Dr. Mahesh Kharade in Wakad, Pune, to determine if angiography is needed for your heart health. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can save lives.

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