Coronary Angiography Turkey 

    Like every organ in our body, the heart also needs nourishment in order to maintain its vitality and fulfill its duties. The heart receives the nutrients and oxygen it needs from the blood, just like other organs. The vessels that feed the heart are known as coronary arteries in medical language. A problem in the coronary arteries can adversely affect the whole heart and therefore the whole body.

    The coronary vessels may begin to narrow over time for some reasons. If this narrowing is not intervened in a timely manner, the vessels may become occluded . As a result, the muscle tissues that make up the heart may begin to die. In fact, the occlusion of the coronary vessels can lead to serious diseases such as heart attack and cause death of the person. The extent of narrowing of the coronary vessels can be diagnosed by an advanced diagnostic method called coronary angiography.

    As in every disease, the diagnosis process is very important in heart diseases. Successful treatments can only be possible with accurate diagnoses. Therefore, coronary angiography is a very important diagnostic method. In the continuation of our article, we will talk about how coronary angiography is performed and in which diseases it can be performed.

    You can call us for detailed information about coronary angiography Istanbul, You can make an appointment with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Uz.

    What is the Coronary Angiography ?

    Coronary angiography is an advanced imaging technique that allows the examination of the coronary artery in the heart and the diagnosis of diseases. This procedure is not done to open the blockage in the arteries and to treat coronary artery disease. It is done to get detailed information about the coronary artery disease.

    If there is a problem in the coronary artery, it can be suspected by tests such as ECG and echocardiography. However, these examinations may not be sufficient to make a detailed examination and make a definitive diagnosis. Thanks to the coronary angiography procedure, detailed examination of the vessels we refer to as the coronary arteries can be performed. The size and location of the blockages in these vessels can be determined.

    Why Coronary Angiography is Performed?

    Coronary angiography is performed to examine the coronary vessels in detail and to detect the problems in these vessels. Occlusions in the coronary arteries can lead to heart attacks and even death. For this reason, great importance is attached to the problems related to the vessels feeding the heart. The reflections of these problems can often be detected by EKG and similar examinations. However, a more advanced technique is needed to determine exactly where the problems originate and their dimensions. This is coronary angiography. Thanks to coronary angiography, the vessels feeding the heart and the narrowing of these vessels can be examined in detail.

    To Whom Coronary Angiography is Performed?

    Coronary angiography is a procedure that can be performed on patients of all genders and all ages. Before coronary angiography, different tests are performed on the patients. If, as a result of these examinations, it is suspected that there is a problem in the coronary arteries, coronary angiography is applied. Coronary angiography can also be performed before open heart surgery.

    Diseases that may require coronary angiography may cause symptoms such as:

    • Increased shortness of breath as a result of physical activity.
    • Chest pain.
    • Pain radiating to various parts of the body; mostly around the arms and back.
    • Palpitation 
    • Fatigue more quickly than usual.

    As a result of examinations such as ECG and exercise ECG performed due to such symptoms, a problem in the coronary arteries may be suspected. Coronary angiography can be applied to investigate this problem in detail.

    What are the Risk of Coronary Angiography?

    Coronary angiography is an almost risk-free procedure if performed by a team of experts under ideal conditions. Coronary angiography carries risks such as heart attack and sudden death. However, these risks decrease to 1 in 10,000 if the transaction takes place under the conditions we mentioned. This risk is many times lower than the risk of fatal health conditions that may occur due to occlusion in the coronary arteries.

    Which Examinations Are Performed Before Coronary Angiography?

    In general, patients who come with complaints such as chest pain and back pain undergo a detailed examination. Then, the blood sugar, blood pressure and heart rate of the patients are measured; A small amount of blood is taken from the patient for analysis. These controls are accompanied by ECG recording. If a situation related to the coronary arteries is suspected as a result of these procedures, the procedure known as “echocardiography test ” is performed. A process known as an stress ECG may accompany these examinations.

    Finally, if there is a thought that there is a problem with the coronary arteries, coronary angiography is performed. A procedure called myocardial scintigraphy can also be performed before coronary angiography.

    How Coronary Angiography Is Performed?

    Coronary angiography can be performed from the wrist or the inguinal region. The processes in both are similar. First of all, the area where coronary angiography will be performed is carefully cleaned with the help of a special solution. Then, local anesthesia is applied here. Thus, patients do not feel pain and discomfort during coronary angiography.

    During the procedure, a liquid called opaque substance is given inside the vessels with the help of  special devices. This fluid allows for detailed examination of the vessel walls and vessel structure. After the liquid is given, the vascular structure is recorded by the angiography device.

    If coronary angiography is not accompanied by stent or balloon treatment, all procedures are completed within 10 minutes. This period may vary slightly from person to person.

    When I Am Discharged After Coronary Angio?

    If stent or balloon treatment is not applied after coronary angiography, patients are discharged on the same day. In some cases, they may also be kept under surveillance for a day. There is no healing process as surgical incisions and sutures are not used during the procedure. Doctors will provide detailed information on the subject.