Angiograms and angioplasty: My dad is going into hospital to have an angiogram done as he has been having some chest pain. I've heard that this is a type of X-ray but if this is all it is why does he have to stay in hospital overnight?
An angiogram is a procedure carried out on people who are suspected of having heart problems.
It is usually done if the doctor thinks there may be a blockage or narrowing of one of the coronary arteries. It can also be used to assess if there is any heart muscle damage or valve defect.
It is usually performed under sedation and local anaesthetic. A narrow tube called a catheter is inserted either through the femoral artery in the groin or the brachial artery in the forearm, and threaded through to the heart. A special dye is then passed into the heart via the catheter.
Pictures are taken to track the dyes progress through the coronary arteries and valves, allowing the doctor see where the problem lies. The procedure takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Afterwards your dad will have to lie flat, with his leg straight for a couple of hours to ensure there is no bleeding from the incision site. His blood pressure, heart rate and heart rhythm will be monitored during this time. For the first 24 hours after the angiogram driving and climbing stairs should be avoided.
What happens if a blockage is found?
If a blockage is found then a procedure called angioplasty may be performed. A balloon like device is used to unblock the narrowed coronary artery. This widens the artery by compressing the fatty blockage into the artery wall and increasing blood flow to the heart. Angioplasty may be performed as part of the angiogram or may be performed at a later stage depending on the individual findings. Sometimes a device called a stent is placed in the artery to keep it open.
This is passed through the catheter to the blockage site and over time it acts like a scaffolding to keep the vessel open and maintain blood flow. Some newer devices, drug eluting stents, are impregnated with drugs that prevent clots forming.
Where can I get more information on heart problems?
The Irish Heart Foundation provides information and support for those with heart problems and promotes research into heart disease and its treatment. They can be contacted at 01 6685001 for more information. In the west of Ireland, patients can contact CROí, at 091 544310
Marion Kerr