Introduction
A heart condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD) refers to the thickening of one or more of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. Over time, fats, cholesterol, and other chemicals are accumulated in arteries, where they interact with blood cells and form plaque which narrows the arterial lumen. This condition is referred to as atherosclerosis and can result in a heart attack, peripheral vascular disease, or a stroke, classified as cardiovascular disorder (CAD).
In CAD, the blood supply to the heart is affected leading to angina and ultimately heart attack. The trusted method world over, for a confirmed diagnosis of CAD, is Cardiac Catheterization. This procedure is performed by a heart doctor in a hospital having a cath lab facility and Altius Hospitals is one among them.
How are blocks diagnosed through cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure, in which the cardiologist inserts the catheter, a flexible tube, into a blood vessel in the arm or groin. The catheter is used to check for blockages or other issues in the coronary arteries, which deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, after being guided via the blood channels to the heart.
Afterward, a dye is injected into the bloodstream from an intravenous (IV) line connected to the vein. It helps the cardiologist see how well blood flows through different parts of the heart on X-rays taken during the procedure. A coronary angiogram can thus show blocked or narrowed blood vessels in the heart. This test is typically performed to check for the flow of blood in the heart. Moreover, if coronary arteries constrict as a result of plaque buildup or following an accident, it may be utilised to place stents into the vessels.
A quick look at the symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Individuals with asymptomatic (“silent”) coronary artery disease might not have any symptoms until a blockage is serious enough to cause a heart attack. In such emergencies, you should rush to a nearby hospital. Altius Hospital with the best cardiologist is equipped with the most modern cath lab. This is why people need to get regular medical checkups and talk with their doctors if they experience symptoms of coronary artery disease such as:
- Angina: Chest pain that progresses to worsen with activity
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attack
The two procedures performed in the cath lab to treat blockages are:
Balloon Angioplasty
In this procedure, the doctor inflates a tiny balloon at one end of the catheter into one of the blocked coronary arteries. It facilitates the passage of oxygen-rich blood via the coronary arteries to restore the blood flow to the heart.
Stenting
The balloon catheter is removed and a stent is inserted in the angioplasty site if the physician determines that doing so will keep the artery from closing or re-closing. The tiny metal tube in the form of a lattice serves as a scaffolding to keep the artery open.
Conclusion
Cardiac catheterization plays a pivotal role in the evaluation & if need be, treating patients with suspected or known heart disease. It is the accepted procedure of choice to assess the presence and proportion of coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, heart muscle dysfunction, and congenital heart disease. It is carried out with little danger when performed by skilled cardiologists. When looking for a hospital for the best cardiac services, it should be noted that Altius Hospitals with the latest addition of the new cath lab and cardiologists is best in diagnosing and treating different heart conditions.
