Every year, an average of 17.9 million people die due to cardiovascular diseases. This figure, accounting for 31% of all deaths worldwide, highlights the life-threatening nature of heart and vascular diseases. Therefore, early detection of any symptoms a person experiences is extremely important. One of the most commonly used diagnostic methods for vascular diseases is angiography, commonly known as “angiogram.”
An angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that visualizes blood vessels to observe how blood flows through them. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia by inserting a flexible tube, called a catheter, into an artery in the wrist or groin and guiding it toward the heart. A contrast agent is injected into the arteries, and X-rays are used to visualize the vessels and identify the location of any blockage. It is especially used in cases of sudden heart attacks. Based on the angiogram results, the appropriate treatment method is determined, with the goal of restoring normal blood flow.
Types of Angiography
The most commonly used type of angiography is coronary angiography. In addition, cerebral angiography, pulmonary angiography, and renal angiography can also be performed.
Who Should Have an Angiography?
- Individuals with coronary artery disease risk who experience severe chest pain
- Patients with life-threatening heart rhythm disorders
- Cases of unexplained heart failure
- Individuals with recurrent chest pain after a previous angiogram
- Post-cardiac surgery patients undergoing routine check-ups
- Patients who have recently suffered a heart attack or stroke
- Cases where a tumor is suspected to be fed by coronary vessels
- Situations involving abnormal enlargement of cerebral vessels
- Inconclusive or abnormal results from ECG or stress tests
- Patients with heart valve problems requiring surgery
