Angiography is an effective diagnostic method that plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases today. Being minimally invasive, safe and providing detailed information, it is an important tool in identifying and treating heart health-related problems. Therefore, in case of any doubt about cardiovascular health, it is important to use diagnostic methods such as angiography.
What is angiography?
Angiography is a medical imaging method used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. In this procedure, the internal structure of the vessels in the body is examined using a special x-ray device. With angiography, the condition of the heart and vessels is evaluated by imaging blockages, narrowings and other abnormalities. Angiography is an important tool to determine heart attack risk, see blocked arteries, and evaluate treatment options.
Why is angiography performed?
Angiography is a medical imaging method used for detailed imaging of blood vessels and the heart. Angiography, whose medical name is angiography or arteriography, is generally used in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Angiography is used for:
- Diagnosis of heart diseases
- Diagnosis of vascular diseases
- Identifying blood clots
- Evaluation of congenital heart diseases
- Treatment of blood vessels
- Evaluation before organ transplantation
- In some tumor treatments
How is angiography performed?
Angiography is performed as follows:
- Some analyzes and tests are performed before the procedure.
- During the procedure, the patient is awake, but the entry area is anesthetized with local anesthesia.
- The doctor inserts a catheter, a thin, flexible tube, into the body through a vein such as in the groin area, arm, or wrist.
- The catheter is directed to the heart or to the vessels in the area to be examined.
- Contrast material is injected into the veins through the catheter.
- As the contrast material moves through the veins, images are taken with x-rays.
- The images are processed on the computer to create a detailed map of the veins.
How long does angiography take?
The duration of the angiography procedure is usually between 20 and 60 minutes. In some special cases, the angiography procedure may be shortened to 10 minutes or may take up to several hours. After the angiography procedure, patients are usually discharged within 1.5 to 6 hours.
What should be taken into consideration after angiography?
Angiography is an important procedure used in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. For a quick and complete recovery after the procedure, it is necessary to pay attention to some important points. Things to consider after angiography:
- You should rest for the first 24 hours.
- Heavy and tiring work should be avoided
- Plenty of liquid should be consumed
- Liquid and soft foods should be consumed on the first day.
- Smoking and alcohol should not be consumed
- Medicines should be used regularly
- The surgery site should be kept dry and clean for 24 hours.
- Shower and bath should be avoided for the first 24 hours.
- The car should not be used for the first 24 hours.
- Sexual activity should not be attempted without doctor’s approval.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, please consult your doctor.