Though more Thai people are being diagnosed with heart disease leading to death, if an abnormality can be found quickly with accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment, it can reduce the risks.
Risk groups….who need to be examined.
When the coronary arteries are constricted or clogged, it will cause chest pain and weariness as not enough blood can reach the heart muscles, or we often call “Myocardial Ischemia”. Most patients often have the symptoms when exercising or angry or stressed, because when the heart works harder, it needs more blood. If the blood vessels are constricted, the blood will not be able to flow to the heart, therefore creating the symptoms.
Coronary Angiography…how necessary?
When the doctor has examined your preliminary history and suspects coronary artery disease, a coronary angiography is needed to take a look at the coronary arteries before proceeding with other treatment methods as the angiography can help us find the constricted coronary arteries. The doctor can see whether the blood vessels are constricted or not. Also, an abnormal position of the arteries can be found by inserting a tiny catheter 2 millimeters in diameter into the artery around the wrist or groin. The result from the coronary angiography is the last answer of the treatment. The doctor may consider performing the balloon angioplasty at the same time if the blood vessel is suitable for balloon angioplasty and stenting. In coronary angiography, contrast media is injected into the body through the artery. The contrast media is according to standard and safe on the body as it is the iodine that can be found in seafood. However, patients must notify whether they are allergic to seafood or not or else allergies may occur.
Safe in all procedures…under the doctor’s supervision
Before receiving the coronary angiography, apart from notifying the doctor about food allergies, you should notify about congenital diseases and oral medicines. The doctor will explain the procedures to the patient and relatives before making the decision to receive the treatment. Then, you must abstain from drinks and food on the night prior to the treatment for at least 6-8 hours. Saline will be given. The skin area where the catheter is inserted will be cleaned and injected with the contrast media and x-rayed intermittently for thorough consideration. If the doctor finds that a blood vessel is constricted and balloon angioplasty is needed, it can be done immediately. The patient will be conscious during the examination and can communicate with the doctor, which on average, takes about 20-30 minutes. If balloon angioplasty is necessary, it will take about 45 minutes–1 hour. After the treatment, the doctor will remove the catheter from the patient’s body and press the area to stop the bleeding. In case of suitability, medicine or equipment may be used to stop the bleeding faster. If there are no complications, the patient can drink and eat food immediately.
Paolo Hospital Phaholyothin Tel : 0-2271-7000