What is coronary angiography? Coronary angiography is the process of inserting a special material catheter through the upper limb, such as the radial or femoral artery, along the blood vessel, into the catheter, and delivering it to the opening of the coronary artery. Contrast agent is selectively injected into the coronary artery, which can be visualized under X-ray examination, and then recorded to determine if there is a problem with the coronary artery; Currently, coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing coronary heart disease. In general, the diagnosis is nothing more than the following situations: 1. If the result of coronary angiography is normal and the degree of vascular disease is less than 50%, it is medically called coronary atherosclerosis; 2. If the degree of vascular stenosis is greater than 50% and less than 75%, the diagnosis of coronary heart disease has already been made, but in most cases, stent treatment is not necessary. Regular and correct medication is sufficient; 3. If the degree of stenosis is more severe than 75% and the diameter is blocked to 3/4, it may require stent surgery for treatment; 4. Vascular blockage is very severe, with all three blood vessels blocked or severe calcified plaques. Patients with this condition are not suitable for stent placement and may require surgical bypass surgery for treatment.
Indications of Coronary Angiography
Coronary Angiography is to check the condition of patients' coronary arteries, which is mainly applicable to patients with coronary artery disease. Currently, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease is the most common; Patients with spontaneous dissection or embolism of coronary arteries also require coronary angiography, which is relatively rare. This examination can detect the scope, nature, and degree of coronary artery disease, usually treated through intervention, using balloon dilation or stent to solve the patient's fundamental problem, improve their clinical symptoms and prognosis. Coronary angiography is a safe, effective and widely promoted examination method, but it is prohibited to perform coronary angiography for patients who are allergic to contrast agents, kelp, iodized salt or have infectious diseases.
What should be noted after coronary angiography?
Currently, most coronary angiography uses radial artery puncture and catheterization, so it is important to pay attention to whether there is bleeding, seepage, or hematoma at the puncture site. At the same time, due to the pressure of hemostatic bandages at the puncture site, it is necessary to observe whether there are ischemic symptoms such as coldness, paleness, and numbness at the fingertips, and if so, timely decompression is necessary.
2. Many patients may experience vomiting, nausea, and even skin itching after coronary angiography. In severe cases, they may develop anaphylactic shock. Therefore, patients after coronary angiography should drink plenty of water and excrete contrast agents as soon as possible.
3. A small number of patients may develop microthrombi during coronary angiography, causing distal coronary artery blockage and subsequently leading to cardiac pain. Close and dynamic observation of electrocardiogram should be conducted, while paying attention to changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and other parameters.
What are the daily life precautions after coronary angiography?
1. Care should be taken for the puncture site.
After performing coronary angiography and discharge, the wound should be checked regularly. If there are signs of infection such as pus discharge, redness, swelling, and pain, it should be promptly checked at the hospital; Wash the wound with antibacterial soap or clean water daily, and cover the exudate area with sterile dressing.
2. Scientifically arrange diet
Eat vegetables and fruits every day, eat more high protein foods such as eggs and meat, and unsaturated fatty acid foods, and eat less foods with high saturated fatty acid content such as chocolate and animal oil.
3. Smoking and moderate alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited. After coronary angiography, it is recommended to drink a small amount of alcohol, preferably not at all. If socializing is necessary, it should not exceed 50mL. When taking sedatives, hypnotic drugs, and analgesics, it is not advisable to drink alcoholic beverages; Smoking can increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and raise blood pressure, which are important risk factors for heart disease. Long term smoking can also damage the lungs, and smoking is strictly prohibited.
4. Suitable exercise after surgery
When patients engage in physical exercise for the first time after surgery, their pulse must be measured, and exercise should be strictly implemented according to the exercise prescription prescribed by the doctor, gradually and progressively; Before exercising, prepare for physical activity. If discomfort such as chest pain, tightness, dizziness, and increased heart rate occurs during exercise, stop immediately and seek medical attention promptly.
5. Rest more and avoid emotional excitement
During the recovery period of 4-6 weeks after coronary angiography surgery, rest more and ensure 8-10 hours of sleep every day; All activities should be arranged after sufficient sleep, and the amount of activity should not feel tired; Although visits from guests' relatives and friends can regulate emotions, they should be minimized within two weeks after discharge to avoid mental and physical exertion.