Understanding Angiography: A crucial test for heart health

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Our heart works constantly. It pumps blood throughout our body and keeps us alive. When the heart is functioning properly, we feel healthy, but if there is a problem, it can directly affect our overall health. Therefore, early detection of heart disease is crucial.

Nowadays doctors often recommend angiography, but many people do not know about this test, what it is, how it is done, and what precautions should be taken after it.

Angiography is a test that tells us how healthy our body's veins and arteries are. This test helps detect any blockages in the veins of the heart, brain, or limbs. Doctors often recommend this test when someone experiences chest pain, difficulty breathing, or anxiety. Angiography is a simple way to check if blood is flowing properly through the body.

Angiography and angioplasty are often heard interchangeably, but they are different. Angiography is simply a test that reveals a blockage in a vein or artery, while angioplasty is a method of removing the blockage. This involves first identifying the problem and then treating it if necessary.

In this test, the doctor first inserts a small tube, called a catheter, into the veins of the area they wish to examine. This tube is inserted into the leg or arm. A special colored liquid (dye) is passed through it into the veins. As this liquid moves through the veins, an X-ray machine captures its path. This allows the doctor to clearly see whether blood is flowing properly or if there is a blockage. This procedure takes about an hour, and the patient is required to rest afterward. After the test is complete, the catheter is removed and the insertion site is closed.

If angiography reveals a blockage, angioplasty or stent placement is often necessary. Patients then need to take certain precautions, such as avoiding heavy lifting, abstaining from alcohol and smoking, taking medications regularly, and improving their diet. It's also important to engage in light exercise, consume fruits, vegetables, and healthy oils, and reduce salt and sugar.