Coronary Angiography & Angioplasty
Coronary Angiography
A coronary angiogram (CAG) is the most common invasive procedure done by me (any interventional cardiologist).
This procedure uses X-ray imaging to see your heart’s blood vessels. The test is generally done to see if there’s a narrowing or blockage in the artery that supplies blood to your heart.
During a coronary angiogram, a type of dye that’s visible by an X-ray machine is injected into the blood vessels of your heart. The X-ray machine rapidly takes a series of cine loop x-ray images (angiograms), offering a look at your blood vessels.
This is purely a diagnostic test to identify narrowing or blockages.
Once identified, you may be recommended any of the 3 optionsA further procedure to unblock the arteries called coronary angioplasty with stent placement.
Alternatively you may be advised a coronary bypass surgery (CABG)
Not infrequently, the blockages may not be severe and you may be advised to take simple medications to address your symptoms and prevent the blockage from progressing.
Coronary Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a procedure that is used to open up clogged coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease. This operation does not necessitate open heart surgery and can be done in the event of a heart attack. Essentially, the treatment is used to restore blood flow to the heart.
