Coronary angiography is a minimally invasive interventional procedure to visualize the coronary arteries by injecting a contrast medium through a heart catheter. It is an effective diagnostic test for coronary heart disease, and is the only method that can directly observe the shape of the coronary arteries, as it can clearly show the anatomical structure of the coronary arteries as well as the presence of malformations and lesions.
Coronary angiography is usually performed by puncturing the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery in the thigh, then inserting a catheter into the coronary arteries, injecting a contrast medium, and visualizing the coronary arteries through X-rays, so as to observe whether the coronary arteries are stenotic or not and the severity of the stenosis. Patients with coronary artery stenosis can be treated by implanting a device through the catheter to dilate the narrowed area.
Coronary angiography is suitable for patients with angina pectoris, enlarged heart, abnormal electrocardiogram, congenital heart disease, and proposed valve replacement. However, patients who are allergic to contrast media, have acute left heart failure, severe arrhythmia, severe hypertension, severe electrolyte disorders, and acute stroke are not suitable for coronary angiography.
Coronary angiography needs to be performed in a regular medical institution, and the need for this procedure needs to be evaluated by a professional doctor.