The use of angiography of the heart vessels for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic disease

Angiography of the heart vessels, used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of cardiac pathologies. The degree of relevance of the application of this type of research can be understood if we recall that according to statistics, diseases associated with cardiac circulation disorders rank first in the world.

The decision on the need for such a study is made by the physician on the basis of general clinical data and an analysis of the patient's complaints. At the moment the most informative technique, which allows to reliably diagnose changes in coronary vessels, is angiography.

Modern and expensive equipment, used in this type of research, requires specialists who work on it highly qualified and meet international standards.

A special catheter through the vessels of the thigh or arm introduces a contrast agent into the area of ​​the heart vessels. This allows us to evaluate not only the blood flow, but also the condition of the internal surface of the vascular wall. The process is recorded on a disc or cassette and, if necessary, can be scanned for a second time.

How is the preparation of

? For the angiography of the heart, the patient must pass a general and biochemical blood test, determine the group and Rh factor, samples for viral hepatitis B and C, HIV, ultrasound of the heart and an ECG in twelve leads. Additional studies and consultations of related specialists are appointed, if necessary, individually.

Immediately before the procedure, the patient is explained the essence of the procedure, the possibility of identifying pathologies, the likelihood of complications and side effects. Catheterization of the femoral or artery of the forearm is performed under local anesthesia, while the patient is constantly in full consciousness.

After the study, the patient should be under the care of doctors for 24 hours to monitor the condition after the study.

When is heart angiography needed?

The use of angiography of the heart is necessary in the following cases:

• The manifestation of the first signs of coronary insufficiency - chest pain and dyspnea, which increase during exercise.
• In the presence of an already diagnosed heart disease, in the event that the prescribed therapy does not bring relief, and the patient's condition worsens.
• Before cardiac surgery, including coronary bypass surgery.
• After replacing the valve or evaluating the results of the surgical intervention on the coronary vessels or obtaining the result of treatment with medications.
• With asymptomatic course of ischemic disease.
• If there is a suspicion of having a congenital heart disease.
• In vascular diseases, including those associated with coronary vessels.
• With symptoms that indicate possible cardiac insufficiency.
• After a chest injury.

What can be determined with this study

1. Presence, location, pattern of heart disease;
2. Symptoms of thrombosis or ulceration sites;
3. Spasm of blood vessels;
4. Evaluation of collateral blood flow( formation of additional vascular pathways for blood supply to the myocardium).

When is it not possible to perform

Angiography of the heart is not carried out with a tendency to bleeding, kidney disease, in old age, with severe heart failure, diabetes mellitus of any stage, inflammatory processes in the body that occur with a high temperature.

Advantages and disadvantages of

The undeniable advantage of this method lies in the possibility of a very detailed evaluation of the condition of the vessels of the heart muscle. The data obtained as a result of diagnosis are of great importance not only in determining the tactics of treatment of the patient, but also can play a decisive role in saving human life.

Often the outcome depends on the decision to make an urgent intervention, such as angioplasty. Simultaneously, treatment can be performed - balloon dilatation or stenting.

However, any technique has its negative aspects, during angiography the following complications may occur:

• acute heart attack;
• infarction;
• rupture of the vessel in the heart;
• stroke;
• artery wall trauma;
• arrhythmia;
• allergic reaction to contrast agent;
• bleeding at the puncture site;
• reaction to irradiation.

After the procedure, the patient must have on hand full information about the results obtained in writing, and a disk with a record.

Despite the development of other diagnostic methods, angiography of the heart vessels has been and remains the "gold standard" in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease pathology. Only with the help of this technique is it possible to determine the present state of coronary vessels.

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