Currently, there is an active expansion of the network of cardiology centers. The goal of this process is to bring planned and urgent care to patients as far as possible. This is especially true for bypass operations and stenting of damaged vessels. This, in turn, significantly reduces the likelihood of developing a heart attack and subsequent changes of an irreversible nature.
The importance of diagnostic measures
The possibilities for the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies that specialists today possess require the precise work of existing and used support services. Before performing the intervention, the doctor must have certain information. In particular, a specialist needs to know the degree of atherosclerotic lesion and narrowing of blood vessels, as well as whether a blood clot is present in them, what size it is and where it is located, how developed the system of reserve blood supply is. The answers to all these questions can be obtained by conducting an extensive survey. Such a study today is coronary angiography of the heart vessels. Next, consider what this examination is. The article will talk about who is primarily recommended for coronography of the blood vessels of the heart. How they do, cost, complications - all this will also be discussed below.
General information
What is coronary angiography of the heart vessels? How is the examination done? These questions are of concern to many patients. Coronary angiography of the vessels of the heart is a method for the study of arteries, which is based on the use of x-ray radiation. Another name for this examination is angiography. This method is used to diagnose various pathologies of the cardiovascular system. The quality of its implementation directly affects the correctness of subsequent treatment. Since coronary angiography of the vessels of the heart is performed in outpatient conditions, it is necessary to pre-register. To carry out the study, special equipment is used. Doctors conducting the examination have appropriate training. Coronary angiography of the blood vessels of the heart is used as a mandatory diagnostic step in medical centers after visiting a cardiac surgeon.
Exploratory survey
To consult a cardiac surgeon, you will need to take some tests. In particular, it is necessary:
- KLA with formula and platelets.
- Biochemical indicators of the state of the heart muscle.
- Blood coagulability.
- Lipidogram. It is necessary to confirm the previously established degree of the atherosclerotic process. In this case, a study of low and high density lipoproteins, total cholesterol.
- Sugar in urine and blood.
- Electrolyte balance.
- In some laboratories, the degree of probable complications of atherosclerosis is calculated.
- Studies of hepatic and renal activity.
- Other tests that exclude chronic pathologies of an infectious nature and AIDS.
The results of the following hardware studies are also required:
- Fluorography . This study allows not only to assess the condition of the lung tissue, but also to determine the contours and sizes of the heart.
- ECG An electrocardiographic study in dynamics provides confirmation of the need for consultation, a conclusion on the rhythm of contractions, the condition of muscle fibers, the presence of overload in various departments, cicatricial changes after a heart attack. In addition, an ECG reveals persistent ischemia with a presumably poor prognosis.
- Ultrasound of the heart. Ultrasound indicates the image and visually the activity of certain heart departments, the functioning of the valve system between the ventricles and atria, large vessels. Ultrasound reveals hypertrophy (thickening in the wall) of the organ muscle.
All of the above studies can significantly reduce the waiting time for results after consultation with a specialist cardiocenter.
Coronography of the vessels of the heart: description of the procedure, indications
This research method is necessary if, with the consent of the patient, an option is chosen for surgical intervention, the purpose of which is to alleviate the condition of the patient. A survey is recommended for those who are planning to have stenting or bypass surgery. Coronary angiography of the vessels allows doctors to determine which operation is necessary.
What is a survey?
Coronary angiography of heart vessels, the price of which varies in Russia, is performed not only in specialized centers. In large cities, research can be found in multidisciplinary clinics. As a rule, the examination is planned. First, a puncture is performed. Typically, the site is the femoral artery in the groin area. A plastic catheter is inserted into the heart through it. A contrast agent is introduced into the tube. Thanks to his presence, the specialist on the angiograph, which displays the image on the screen, sees what is happening in the patient in the coronary vessels. During the study, the doctor assesses the condition of the network, determines the areas of narrowing. Coronary angiography of the heart vessels allows you to carefully examine all areas. The conclusions of the study depend on the experience and qualifications of the specialist. As a result, not only the effectiveness of treatment, but often the patient’s life, depends on how adequately the study will be conducted.
Survey progress
During the procedure, local anesthesia is used. The femoral or ulnar artery is pierced with a thick needle. The best site is chosen by a specialist. As a rule, the study takes place without the use of general anesthesia. Coronary angiography of the heart vessels (reviews of most patients confirm this information) is a generally painless research method. Some patients noted only unpleasant sensations in the area of needle injection. A thin and long catheter is advanced through the lumen. It is brought as close to the vessels of the heart as possible. The movement of the catheter is monitored by a specialist on the monitor screen. After the tube has been installed in the right place, contrast medium is introduced. In accordance with the instructions of a specialist, pictures are taken in different projections. After the catheter is removed, the insertion site is closed with sutures or a special dressing.
Appointments after the study
The patient is recommended bed rest, and advice is also given to limit the movement of the limb, which was used as an entrance to the artery. Within a few days after the study, a plentiful drink and a light diet are prescribed, which contribute to the excretion of the contrast medium by the kidneys. According to numerous reviews, patients usually recover quite quickly after coronary angiography of the blood vessels of the heart has been performed. The consequences may be if the bleeding at the puncture site has not stopped. In this case, the development of swelling is noted, a bruise forms; patients complain of dizziness, weakness. This condition must be immediately reported to the doctor.
Activities on the eve of the study
Preparation for coronary angiography of the blood vessels of the heart is carried out in accordance with some rules. Due to the fact that it is performed in a hospital, the patient must follow all the recommendations of a specialist. The doctor decides which drugs to continue to take and which ones to cancel. Before coronary angiography of the vessels is performed, it is necessary:
- Refuse food in the evening, do not eat on the day of the examination. This will prevent nausea and vomiting in the process.
- Empty the bladder immediately before the procedure.
- Remove glasses, chains, rings, earrings. In some cases, a specialist may ask you to remove the lenses from the eyes.
The doctor should be aware of all medications taken, the presence of allergies or intolerance to any substances.
Who is not recommended for examination?
Patients who have ever been allergic to a contrast medium are not prescribed coronary angiography of the heart vessels. Complications in this case can be quite serious, up to anaphylactic shock. It is not recommended to perform a study with an increase in temperature, severe anemia (anemia) or insufficient blood coagulation. Contraindications for coronary angiography include a decreased concentration of potassium, diabetes mellitus, pathology of the liver, lungs and kidneys, overweight, and advanced age.
additional information
Before the examination, the patient is injected with anesthesia and other drugs. The patient is shaved off the hair on his arm or in the groin area (depending on the site of catheter insertion). A small incision is made in the selected location. A tube will be inserted into it, through which, in fact, the catheter will advance. The specialist must do everything carefully so that the movement of the elements does not cause pain. Electrodes will be attached to the patient’s chest. They are necessary to control cardiac activity. According to the testimonies of those who left feedback about this procedure, the patient is not in a dream during the study. The doctor talks with the patient, is interested in his condition. At some point, the doctor may ask you to change the position of the hands, take a deep breath or hold your breath. During the examination, blood pressure and pulse are measured. Usually the procedure lasts about an hour, but in some circumstances it can last even longer. For several hours after it, the patient is not allowed to get up. This is necessary to prevent bleeding. On the same day, the patient can go home. In some cases, he is advised to stay in the clinic. According to the state of a person, the specialist will determine when it is possible to return to the usual life: take a shower, take previously prescribed drugs again, etc. For several days after the examination, physical activity is not recommended.
What can be after the examination?
According to reviews of the doctors' procedure, complications after coronary angiography are noted in approximately 2% of patients. An easy side effect can be considered itching, a rash on the skin, swelling of the tongue and parts of the face. All this is an allergic reaction to a contrast medium. Shock is extremely rare. Local complications, manifested in the form of thrombosis, hematoma, and vessel damage, are likely. All this is eliminated in stationary conditions. Among the serious consequences, it is worth noting a stroke or a heart attack. However, experts, as a rule, do not associate the development of an acute condition directly with the study in the presence of arterial stenosis and an atherosclerotic process of a pronounced nature. As practice shows, a fatal outcome is recorded in one case out of a thousand.
How much should I pay for the examination?
In Russia, one of the most common diagnostic methods used in cardiology practice is considered to be coronary angiography of the heart vessels. The cost of the study depends on many factors. The amount of payment is affected by the level of the clinic, the qualifications of the diagnostics specialist, the amount of supplies, the type of pain medication, the need for additional services, the length of stay in the hospital, etc. For people with a compulsory medical insurance policy, the study is free. For other people, the price is in the range of 8,000-30,000 rubles.
Finally
According to experts, a doctor should be consulted when the first signs of pathology appear. It is the timely visit to the doctor that often avoids serious, and in some cases irreversible, consequences. Keep in mind that the study cannot be called absolutely safe. In this regard, to reduce risks, patients need to listen to the recommendations of doctors.