Currently, the network of cardiology centers is actively expanding. The goal of this process is to bring elective and emergency care as close to patients as possible. This is especially true for shunting and stenting of damaged vessels. This, in turn, significantly reduces the likelihood of developing a heart attack and subsequent irreversible changes.
Importance of diagnostic measures
The treatment options for cardiovascular pathologies that specialists have today require the efficient operation of existing and used support services. Before carrying out the intervention, the doctor must have certain information. In particular, the specialist needs to know the degree of atherosclerotic lesions and vasoconstriction, as well as whether a blood clot is present in them, what size it is and where exactly it is located, how developed the reserve blood supply system is. Answers to all these questions can be obtained by conducting an extensive survey. Soresearch today is coronary angiography of the vessels of the heart. Next, let's look at what this survey is. The article will talk about who is primarily recommended coronography of the heart vessels. How they do it, 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 concern many patients. Coronary angiography of the vessels of the heart is a method of examining the arteries, which is based on the use of x-rays. 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 heart vessels is performed in polyclinic conditions, it is necessary to pre-register. To perform the study, special equipment is used. The physicians performing the examination are suitably trained. Coronary angiography of the heart vessels is used as a mandatory diagnostic step in medical centers after visiting a cardiac surgeon.
Preliminary examination
For a consultation with a cardiac surgeon, you will need to take some tests. In particular, you need:
- OAC with formula and platelets.
- Biochemical indicators of the condition of the heart muscle.
- Blood clotting.
- Lipidogram. It is required to confirmpredetermined degree of atherosclerotic process. In this case, low and high density lipoproteins, total cholesterol are being studied.
- Sugar in urine and blood.
- Electrolyte balance.
- Some laboratories calculate the degree of probable complications of atherosclerosis.
- Research on liver and kidney activity.
- Other tests excluding chronic infectious diseases 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 dimensions of the heart.
- EKG. An electrocardiographic study in dynamics confirms the need for a consultation, a conclusion about the rhythm of contractions, the state of muscle fibers, the presence of overload in various departments, cicatricial changes after a heart attack. In addition, ECG can detect persistent ischemia with a presumably poor prognosis.
- Ultrasound of the heart. Ultrasound indicates in the picture and visually the activity of certain cardiac departments, the work of the valve system between the ventricles and atria, large vessels. With the help of ultrasound, hypertrophy (thickening in the wall) of the muscles of the organ is detected.
All of the above studies can significantly reduce the waiting time for results after consultation with a cardio center specialist.
Coronography of the vessels of the heart: descriptionprocedures, indications
This research method is necessary if, with the consent of the patient, a variant of surgical intervention is chosen, the purpose of which is to alleviate the patient's condition. An examination is recommended for those who are planning to undergo stenting or bypass surgery. Coronary angiography of vessels allows doctors to decide which operation is needed.
What is a survey?
Coronary angiography of the heart vessels, the price of which is different in Russia, is performed not only in specialized centers. In large cities, you can also get to the study in multidisciplinary clinics. As a rule, the examination is planned. First, a puncture is performed. The site is usually the femoral artery in the groin area. Through it, a plastic catheter is inserted into the heart. A contrast agent is injected into the tube. Due to its presence, the specialist on the angiograph, which transmits the image to the screen, sees what is happening in the patient in the coronary vessels. During the study, the doctor assesses the state of the network, determines the areas of narrowing. Coronary angiography of the vessels of the heart allows you to carefully examine all areas. Conclusions based on the results of the study depend on the experience and qualifications of the specialist. As a result, not only the effectiveness of treatment, but often the life of the patient depends on how adequately the study is carried out.
Survey progress
Local anesthesia is used during the procedure. The femoral or ulnar artery is pierced with a thick needle. The best site is chosen by a specialist. Howas 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 discomfort in the area where the needle was inserted. A thin and long catheter is advanced through the lumen. It is brought as close as possible to the vessels of the heart. The movement of the catheter is observed by a specialist on the monitor screen. Once the tube is in place, the contrast agent is injected. In accordance with the instructions of the specialist, pictures are taken in different projections. After the catheter is removed, the insertion site is closed with sutures or a special bandage.
Post study appointments
The patient is advised to rest in bed and is advised to limit the movement of the limb that was used as the entrance to the artery. For several days after the study, a plentiful drink and a light diet are prescribed, which contribute to the excretion of the contrast agent by the kidneys. According to numerous reviews, patients usually recover quite quickly after coronary angiography of the heart vessels was performed. Consequences can be if the bleeding at the puncture site has not stopped. In this case, the development of swelling is noted, a bruise is formed; patients complain of dizziness, weakness. This condition should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Activities before the study
Preparation for coronary angiographyvessels of the heart is carried out in accordance with certain 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 medications can be continued and which should be discontinued. Before coronary angiography of vessels will be performed, it is necessary:
- Refuse to eat in the evening, do not eat on the day of the examination. This will prevent nausea and vomiting in the process.
- Empty your bladder just before your procedure.
- Remove glasses, chains, rings, earrings. In some cases, the specialist may ask you to remove lenses from your eyes.
The doctor should be aware of any medications he or she is taking, any allergies or intolerances to any substances.
Who is not recommended for testing?
Patients who have ever had an allergy to a contrast agent 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, anemia of a pronounced nature (anemia), or insufficient blood clotting. Contraindications to coronary angiography include a reduced concentration of potassium, diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the liver, lungs and kidneys, overweight, old age.
More information
Before the examination, the patient is given anesthesia and other drugs. The patient is shaved off the hair on the arm or ingroin area (depending on the site of the catheter insertion). A small incision is made at the selected location. A tube will then 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 for the control of cardiac activity. According to those who left reviews about this procedure, the patient does not sleep during the study. The doctor talks with the patient, is interested in his condition. At some stage, 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 under certain circumstances it can take longer. Within a few 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 person’s condition, the specialist will determine when you can return to your usual life: take a shower, take previously prescribed drugs, etc. Physical activity is not recommended for several days after the examination.
What can happen after the examination?
According to reviews of the procedure of doctors, complications after coronary angiography occur in approximately 2% of patients. A mild side effect can be considered itching, a rash on the skin, swelling of the tongue and part of the face. All this is an allergic reaction to the contrastsubstance. Shock rarely occurs. Possible local complications, manifested in the form of thrombosis, hematoma, damage to the vessel. All this is eliminated in stationary conditions. Among the severe consequences, it is worth noting a stroke or heart attack. However, specialists, 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, death is recorded in one case out of a thousand.
How much should I pay for the examination?
In Russia, coronary angiography of the heart vessels is considered one of the most common diagnostic methods used in cardiology practice. The cost of research depends on many factors. The amount of payment is affected by the level of the clinic, the qualifications of the specialist conducting the diagnostics, the number of consumables, the type of pain medication, the need for additional services, the length of stay in the hospital, and so on. For persons with compulsory medical insurance policy, the study is free. For other people, the price is in the range of 8,000-30,000 rubles.
In closing
According to experts, a doctor should be consulted when the first signs of pathology appear. It is a timely visit to the doctor that often allows you to avoid serious, and in some cases irreversible consequences. It should be borne in mind that the study cannot be called absolutely safe. Therefore, in order to reduce the riskspatients need to heed the recommendations of doctors.
