The coronary arteries
"The coronary arteries originate at the base of the aorta and divide into two parts: a left coronary network and a right coronary network.
Coronary angiography image
Coronary arteries of the left network.
Why are you being offered a coronary angiography?
Coronary artery disease can cause angina (chest pain), myocardial infarction, heart failure (which often results in shortness of breath) and can eventually lead to death. The progression can be largely slowed down by appropriate treatment, so it is important to make an accurate diagnosis.
Coronary angiography allows us to make an accurate assessment of the damage to your coronary arteries (narrowing or occlusion) by means of an X-ray examination.
Performing coronary angiography
Coronary angiography is performed in the catheterization room. The patient is conscious and lying flat. The doctor performs an arterial puncture under local anesthesia at the wrist or groin. It is from this route that the doctor introduces the probes to explore the coronary arteries. The examination is not painful and lasts on average 30 minutes. In the absence of complications, the patient returns to his room and is monitored for 2 to 4 hours until discharge.
Are there any risks associated with coronary angiography?
Despite technical progress and the experience of doctors, cardiac catheterization and coronary arteriography, as with any invasive or surgical procedure, carry a risk of incidents or accidents:
Allergic complications:
Most often linked to the use of iodinated radiological product or local anesthetic. If you have already had allergic manifestations, it is imperative to inform your doctor.
Complications at the artery puncture site:
The most common complication is the formation of a bruise or hematoma at the puncture site which may persist for several days, but is usually without consequence.
Cardiac and vascular complications:
During the examination, discomfort, chest pain, palpitations related to a rhythm disorder may occur. Serious complications are very rare.
As an indication, in a review published in the medical literature, on a large series of patients, we note a risk of death of 0.2/1000, of neurological disturbances (notably paralysis) of 0.4/1000, of myocardial infarction of 0.3/1000. Other less severe complications have been reported, their frequency is less than 1%.
What benefits can be expected from coronary angiography?
Depending on the results of the coronary angiography and the overall clinical assessment, medications may be prescribed to you. Based on the observed lesions, it is possible that a revascularization procedure will be proposed after discussion with your cardiologist and/or your primary care physician: coronary artery bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty. Coronary angiography will help determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition, in order to reduce the risk of future complications and improve your quality of life.
Coronary angiography
Our location
Make an appointment
LUH Ambassadors
Appointment
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Visit us
Insurance
At Jakamy Heart Center, we understand the importance of easy and hassle-free insurance claim processing. Our team is here to help you verify your insurance coverage and answer all your questions. Feel free to contact us for personalized assistance.
Our goal is to make your experience as pleasant as possible. We are committed to providing transparent and clear information about the insurance plans we accept. Contact us today to see if your insurance is accepted and to get the care you need.