What Cardiac Tests and Investigations Are Needed, Including Angiography?

Hello,

We understand your concern. If you are having a heart-related problem and your doctor has advised cardiac investigations and angiography, it is important to get the tests done as advised. These tests help the cardiologist understand how your heart is working and whether there is any narrowing or blockage in the heart arteries.

What Tests Be Needed for a Heart Problem?

Depending on your symptoms, the cardiologist advise :

• ECG to check the heart's electrical activity

• Blood tests, including tests related to heart damage and cholesterol

• Echocardiography (ECHO) to check heart pumping and valves

• Blood pressure and oxygen level monitoring

• Chest X-ray if required

• Stress test or CT scan in selected cases

• Coronary angiography when a detailed check of the heart arteries is needed

The exact tests depend on your symptoms, previous reports, age, medical history and the doctor's examination.

What Is Coronary Angiography?

Coronary angiography is a detailed test used to see the blood vessels supplying the heart. A thin tube called a catheter is usually inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin. A contrast dye is then given and X-ray images are taken to identify narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries.

Angiography is mainly a diagnostic test, but if a significant blockage is found, the cardiologist may discuss treatment options such as angioplasty with a stent or, in some cases, bypass surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the angiography findings and overall heart condition.

What Should You Do Now?

Please consult a cardiologist and carry all your previous reports, ECG/ECHO reports, blood tests, prescriptions and current medicines. Tell the doctor if you have diabetes, high BP, kidney problems, allergies to contrast dye, or are taking blood-thinning medicines.

Do not stop any heart medicine or blood thinner on your own. The cardiologist will tell you if any medicine needs to be adjusted before angiography.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care?

If you currently have severe or persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, sweating, fainting, severe weakness, or pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Angiography is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any invasive test, it has some risks, including bleeding at the catheter site and rare complications related to the contrast dye or blood vessels. Your cardiologist should explain the individual risks before the procedure.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth